How to Prepare for Your Consultation with a Car Accident Attorney

If you were seriously hurt in a wreck through no fault of your own, it’s wise to consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Chances are you’ve never needed counsel in such a scenario, though, and you’re therefore unsure how to prepare for the initial case review.

While your legal team will handle all the logistics of your claim, you can ensure it gets off to a strong start by taking the following steps before your consultation:

1. Gather Any Evidence You’ve Already Obtained

Your legal team will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence of liability against all responsible parties. You can contribute to their efforts by compiling any evidence you’ve already obtained and bringing it to your case review, including:

• Photographs of the scene;
• Dash cam footage;
• Statements from eyewitnesses; and
• The official police report.

2. Compile Relevant Medical Records

Bring all hospital logs, diagnostic images, prescriptions, and other relevant medical records to your initial consultation. These documents will help your lawyer gauge the extent of the damage (and determine what kinds of experts he or she may need to consult to prove it).

3. Start a Personal Injury Journal

Detailed entries about the ways in which your injuries are affecting your everyday life will help validate your non-monetary losses like pain and suffering. It’s advisable to start keeping a journal as soon as possible (preferably on the day of the accident).

For the first entry, write down everything you can remember about the incident in question. And remember: No detail is too small to include.

For all subsequent entries, write about the impact your condition is having on your quality of life. Make sure to bring this journal to your consultation so your attorney can review it.

4. Preserve All Correspondence with the Opposing Party

If the liable party (or their insurer) reaches out to you, it’s best to avoid engaging with them until you seek legal counsel. In the meantime, save all correspondence that you receive, including emails, letters, and voicemails, and bring them to your case review for your lawyer to examine.

5. Write Down Any Questions You Have

During the initial consultation, your attorney will ask all kinds of questions in an attempt to determine if you have grounds for a claim and, if so, how best to proceed. You’ll also get the opportunity to ask questions of your own, though, to confirm that you’ve found the right lawyer to take your case. Since you may be inundated with information during the meeting, it’s wise to write down all such questions in advance, so you can don’t overlook any of them.

Call 800-770-7008 to Discuss Your Case with a Minneapolis Car Accident Lawyer

At Bradshaw & Bryant, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that unanticipated injuries can take on the whole family. If you were struck by a drunk, distracted, or otherwise reckless driver, we’ll help you pursue compensation for the damages so you can put your life back together. Call 800-770-7008 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Minneapolis.