Discussing vehicle accident: your first meeting with an attorney

During your first meeting with an attorney after any accident or injury, your lawyer basically wants to listen to about what happened, for he or she may collect a variety of information from you. Usually, the duration of the initial interview can vary depending on the circumstances that led to your injuries. In a straightforward case like car accidents, the first meeting probably wont take very long, especially if you come prepared.

As you inform the lawyer about your accident, he or she may ask questions about it. Frequently, lawyers wait until you have told them everything before asking questions. Your lawyer will accumulate a variety of information linking to your accident or injury, including particulars about your medical treatment, others involved in the accident, potential witnesses, and more. Your lawyer will likely also discuss practical aspects of your case such as a representation agreement, different types of legal fees, and the kinds of costs you can expect in your case. So in general, your lawyer will discuss to you in the simplest way the credits of your case.

If you are not familiar or having no idea of what you can expect during your first meeting with an attorney, here are some overviews:

• The lawyer may ask you to sign a form authorizing the release of your medical information from health care providers, so that he or she can obtain your medical records on your behalf that will be use for references as your case is brought up in a proper court.
• The lawyer will want to know about all your insurance coverage. For him to take necessary moves in securing your insurance benefits.
• The lawyer will ask if you have talked to any insurance adjustors and if so, what you have said and whether you provided a recorded or written statement about the accident or injury. This is done to take an action for counter claim if you have previously signed any documents that will lead unfavorable stand in your case.
• The lawyer will also ask if anyone else has interviewed you about the accident or your injuries, and if so, with whom you spoke and the detail of what was discussed. This will provide your counsel a better argument for your case.
• And if it isn't evident by looking at you, the lawyer may ask about the current status of your injuries -- whether you are in pain, what your prognosis is.The lawyer may also advise you to see your doctor if you have any lingering physical problems or complaints. Because if you don't see visit a doctor and later decide to pursue a legal claim for your injuries, the defendant may argue that you aren't seriously hurt, on the theory that no doctor visit indicates no medical problems. So securing a medical checkup is a vital aspect in pursuing an accident claim.
• The lawyer may decide to consider your case, and to contact you shortly after the meeting to discuss your legal options. This is a common practice in injury cases, so you should not read anything into it.
• The lawyer may decline to take your case. He or she may do this for many reasons, such as his or her current caseload, capabilities or specialties, economic situation, or family responsibilities. While this is valuable information, and it is better to get such an opinion early, you should by all means seek a second opinion from another attorney. If the lawyer you have consulted did not accept your case he will surely refer you to another lawyer whom he believes can handle a better job.
• The lawyer may ask you to sign a retainer contract or other form of agreement for representation. Make sere to read and understand the contract carefully and ask questions before you sign it. It is better to take the contract home to study it before signing.
• The lawyer will tell you what the next steps are. There may be a factual investigation before a lawsuit is filed or settlement is considered, and the lawyer may be able to give you a rough estimate of how long it will take to resolve the case.
• The lawyer will tell you not to talk about the case with others, and that you should refer questions back to him or her. This is very important advice. Just as loose lips sink ships, stray comments can ruin your case in the courtroom.

With the information presented above, bringing your accident case to a lawyer is a hustle free. You don’t have to be intimidated with the lawyers…for now you only need to choose the better attorney to handle your case.