A free legal consultation is a great way to get advice and information about your legal issues without worrying about incurring costs. Typically, an attorney will assist and asses your case during the session.
When you discuss your case with a car accident lawyer, there are several key things that you should tell them during your free consultation. Here are five things you should be sure to mention:
- The details of the accident
- Injuries you sustained
- Witnesses to the accident
- Damage to your vehicle
- Correspondence with insurance companies
The purpose of the consultation is not necessarily for the attorney to take on your case but rather for them to give you informed advice about potential legal options. Ultimately, the goal of any free legal consultation is for you to leave feeling more informed about how best to handle your situation.
1. The Details of the Accident
If you have been in a collision, report all the details to your lawyer. You need to tell them everything that happened leading up to the crash, what exactly occurred during the incident and anything that happened afterward.
It is important to be clear and specific when relaying this information so your lawyer can understand the events. Be sure to provide your lawyer with as much information as possible about the accident, including:
- Time and location of the crash
- Names and contact information of any other drivers involved
- Photos and videos taken at the scene
- Weather conditions
- Road conditions
- Insurance information
- Any other details you can remember about the crash
It’s important to be as honest and thorough as possible when discussing your case with a car accident lawyer. Your attorney will use this information to build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
2. Injuries You Sustained
Tell your lawyer about any injuries you sustained in the accident and any medical treatment you have received or are currently receiving. This information will help your lawyer determine the extent of your damages and the value of your claim.
Common traffic accident injuries include:
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal injuries
- Whiplash
3. Witnesses to the Accident
If there were any witnesses to the accident, provide your lawyer with their names and contact information so they can be interviewed and potentially provide testimony on your behalf.
A witness statement is sometimes used as evidence in a car crash case to prove the fault of one of the drivers. They can help support your version of events or refute the claims brought against you.
Statements may provide an impartial description of what happened during the crash. They can include pertinent details such as road conditions and driver behavior. If you have a reliable witness who saw the accident, their statement could be highly valuable to support your case.
4. Damage to Your Vehicle
Provide your lawyer with information about any damage to your vehicle, including the estimated cost of repairs. Your attorney will use this to calculate the economic damages for your case.
Vehicle damage after a car crash can range from minor to severe. Minor damage generally refers to minor scratches, dents, and chips in the paint. Severe vehicle damage is much more significant and includes major body work.
In some cases, a car can be completely totaled after a crash. Regardless of the severity of the damage, drivers need to get the proper repair services following any car accident.
5. Correspondence With Insurance Companies
If you have already been in contact with an insurance adjuster, let your lawyer know what you have said, any correspondence you have had, including any settlement offers you have received.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Remember to bring any relevant documents, including police reports, medical records, and insurance information, to your consultation. If you cannot come physically, you can still provide your attorney with the above information over the phone or email, and they will help you in the best way they can.
Comments 1
Thanks for also talking about how to deal with witnesses when it comes to car accident cases. I’d like to find a good car accident lawyer soon because my sister recently got into a minor collision accident. Getting legal advice as early as possible would be crucial for that situation.