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After being hurt in an accident, many victims struggle with knowing what to do moving forward. In some cases, victims rush to accept settlement offers from the insurance company so they have the money they need immediately. However, this can jeopardize a victim’s chance of recovering full and timely compensation.
This is why consulting a personal injury attorney is crucial to gaining a clearer understanding of your rights and exploring your options. Knowing what will happen during your consultation can make you feel more comfortable and less worried.
A Comfortable, No-Pressure Conversation
Many people think meeting with a lawyer will be intimidating, but that’s not the case. Your consultation is simply a conversation about what happened and how we may be able to help. You won’t be forced into anything, and there’s no cost for this first meeting. During the consultation, we’ll listen to your story, ask questions about your accident, and discuss your legal options.
What You Should Bring
While you don’t need to have everything perfectly organized, bringing key details can help us better understand your case. Even small details can make a big difference in proving what happened and how it has affected you. If you have access to any of the following, bring them along:
Accident Reports
If the police or another authority responded to your accident, bring a copy of the report. This report contains important details, like who was involved and what may have caused the accident. It can help us establish responsibility for your injuries. Don’t have a copy? Don’t worry—the attorney’s team can request it for you.
Medical Records
Any records or bills related to your injury can help show the extent of your damages. The more we know about your injuries, the easier it is to prove how they have impacted your life. This can include doctor’s notes, test results, or prescriptions.
Photos or Videos
If you have pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, or property damage, they can be useful. Visual evidence can make a big impact when dealing with insurance companies or taking your case to court. They help show exactly what happened and make it harder for others to dispute the truth. Try to capture different angles and details that show what happened.
Insurance Information
Bring any correspondence with the insurance company and details of your policy. This will help us understand what coverage is available and whether the insurance company is treating you fairly. If they have already made you an offer, we can review it to see if it’s fair.
Pay Stubs or Proof of Lost Wages
If your injury has kept you from working, financial records can help prove your losses. This can include pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. Lost wages don’t just cover the time you’ve already missed but also future income if you can’t return to work right away.
What Questions Should You Ask?
A consultation is also your chance to get answers. Some helpful questions to ask include:
- Do I have a case? We’ll explain whether you have a legal claim and what your chances of success might be.
- What kind of compensation can I recover? You may be entitled to money for your pain and suffering, medical costs, lost wages, and more.
- How long will my case take? Every case is different, but we can give you an idea of what to expect.
- What will it cost? We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
- What happens next? If you decide to move forward, we’ll outline the next steps so you know what to expect.
What Happens After the Consultation?
If we take your case, we’ll handle all the legal work so you can focus on healing. This includes gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, representing you in court. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
If you’re unsure about what to do after an injury, don’t wait to get the legal guidance you need. At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, we fight for injury victims in Mississippi and Tennessee and are ready to help you. Call us today for a free consultation and let’s talk about how we can get you the compensation you deserve.
