What to expect during an Accident Consultation with an Attorney
When you meet with an attorney for a consultation regarding a car, motorcycle, or 18 wheeler accident case, here is what you should expect. You will start by filling out paper work with background information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, and the like. When you set your consultation up over the phone, the secretary or paralegal you speak with might ask you to bring any documentation you have regarding the accident, such as a police report, any forms or letters from the insurance companies, and copies of health and auto insurance cards.
Expect to tell the attorney about what you recall about the accident and then the attorney will ask questions like the amount of property damage, whether you were injured, what medical treatment you have gotten, and if you have spoken to your or the other person’s insurance companies. If you have spoken to the other person’s insurance company, the attorney will ask if that company accepted liability, which means you are not at fault and have the ability to file a liability claim. The attorney will ask who was in the vehicle and what types of injuries each individual sustained. You may be asked about preexisting conditions along with other somewhat uncomfortable health information. The attorney may decide to take your case on the spot or may decide to review the case and let you know within a few days. An attorney may decide not to take your case for all sorts of reasons, for example, the accident might be the type of accident the attorney has no experience with and for that reason would recommend using a more experienced lawyer. The attorney might have too full of a case load. The lawyer may think you truly do not have a strong case and therefore hiring an attorney will just be more money out of your pocket, which sounds rude but the attorney is actually doing you a favor.
If you decide to hire an attorney and the attorney decides to take your case, you will be asked to sign a contract and a form to Release your Medically Protected Information. This form allows the attorney to gather any and all medical records pertinent to accident related treatment. These records help prove to the at-fault insurance company that the injuries and treatment, as well as pain and suffering, you experienced are significant. For example, in order to start physical therapy most clinics need a physician’s referral for such treatment, a lawyer needs both the physical therapy notes and the referral stating why you needed the treatment, i.e. an automobile accident. You will also sign some type of agreement and the agreement varies between lawyers, just be sure to read it carefully and ask any questions if there is any confusion. The lawyer will suggest you follow up with any necessary treatment. Just a tip, if you do need additional treatment, you should follow up with said treatment, but also do it timely and consistently. Gaps in treatment or waiting three months to seek treatment do not make a strong liability claim. ALWAYS FOLLOW THROUGH WITH YOUR MEDICAL CARE.
If you find yourself in an accident, either as a driver or passenger, call us for a free consultation 228.467.0177 or contact us online at beckyfarrelllaw.com. DON’T DELAY, CALL TODAY!