If you’ve been injured a car accident, one of the first things you should do is to contact a car accident attorney. Having legal help is necessary to obtain any compensation. Most initial consultations are free. Once you reach a law office specializing in accident cases, they’ll make an appointment and invite you to their office for a meet and greet.

There are three reasons for having a consultation prior to hiring an attorney: first, to see if there’s a case. Second, so that you can find the right lawyer who is the best fit for them. And third, the lawyer can review the details of your accident case to decide whether they would take on the case.

How to Prepare for a Consultation

There are two goals for having a consultation with an attorney. As the injured party, you will have an opportunity to tell your story and explain how the accident and injuries affected your life. You will also have an opportunity to determine whether the lawyer is the right fit for your case and your needs. It’s important to have a lawyer that you feel comfortable working with. You will spend a considerable amount of time with this individual, and they will get to know you on a personal level. It’s important to choose someone you’ll be comfortable with.

Documentation for the Consultation

You should bring a specific documents to your appointment with a car accident attorney, including:

  • Police report: this is essential in helping your case as a plaintiff. You can request this paper at a local police station for free.
  • Property damage reports: If there are reports about property damage or estimates from an auto body repair shop or insurance company, bring those bills to the attorney.
  • Medical records and statements: you should present medical records and accounts that show the status of your health after the accident. Also, attach any medical bills and an Explanation of Benefits statement showing what measures are covered by the insurance company and those that were paid out of pocket. A doctor can write comments about the individual’s prognosis in your medical records file for the judge to review.
  • Witness information: It’s also essential to provide an attorney with any witness contact information. It should at least include their name and phone number. An email and physical address can also be helpful.

The more documentation you have, the better. It’s hard to take legal action if you–or your attorney–don’t have access to these reports. If you hire an experienced law firm, your attorney will also have a team to investigate the claims in your paperwork.

Summary of the Account

During the consultation, you will give the attorney an overview of your accident experience. Keeping a journal is one of the best ways to do that. Include any memories you have of the crash, what you did immediately after, and the pain you felt after suffering the injury. Anything related to the accident, even things that seem mundane, should be jotted down.

Asking Questions Before the Case

Before the consultation, you should have a list of questions for the attorney. Write down questions as they arise while you gather the right information. Things to ask should include the following:

  • How long have you been practicing law?
  • How many personal injury cases have you handled?
  • What is your success rate and verdict with cases?
  • Do you have professional references and those from clients?
  • What accreditations, training, and awards do you have?
  • How much is my case worth?

Likewise, an attorney will ask prospective clients questions as well. There may be some that are personal, but it’s crucial so that the lawyer can help you prove your case. Always be honest and avoid hiding anything pertinent from the attorney.

Finding the Right Louisiana Car Accident Lawyer

Finding a lawyer to represent you after a car accident doesn’t have to be difficult. It just takes some preparation. The best thing to do before filing your claim is the hire an experienced Louisiana car accident attorney.These lawyers can help you document your claim, build a case, and seek the compensation you deserve.

E. Orum Young has over 35 years of experience litigating car accident claims on behalf of victims. Our team can help you navigate the complexities of the process and hold the government accountable for their failure. Contact our office at (318) 450-6453 to receive a free case evaluation today.