You may already know the importance of hiring an attorney for your accident or injury. Having a legal consultation after a car accident could be the fastest way to expediting your recovery – both financially and emotionally. The team at Horn Law knows how many questions and concerns that you will have after an accident, and we recommend speaking to one of our personal injury attorneys right away. But, before you come to your consultation, make sure that you get the most out of it by preparing for your appointment.
Why a Consultation?
The consultation is for you and the attorney. It is an appointment that lets the injury attorney assess your case to determine if you have a valid claim, but also gives you a chance to get to know the lawyer, and see if he or she is a good fit for your needs. It is also a time to ask questions, explore your options, and understand your rights.
Preparing for Your Consultation
Once you have selected an attorney and scheduled a consultation, the next step is to prepare for that appointment. Most attorneys offer a free consultation, but you want to make the most out of that free appointment. Some things that you should do prior to meeting with your attorney include:
- Police reports: Getting copies of all police reports and accident reports – especially if it was a car accident. This should have contact information, and possibly witness statements.
- Medical records: Gather all copies of medical records from healthcare providers, hospitals, emergency medical services, etc. You will want records that show in detail your diagnosis and anticipated future medical care.
- Medical bills: Gather copies of all medical bills that you have paid, or other claims filed with your health insurance regarding the injury.
- Insurance information: Put together information from your insurance for medical and auto cases. If you have received a lien letter from your insurer, you will want to bring that along, as well.
- Work documents: Write down and bring details about your work, as well as documents that provide information as to how many hours you have missed. You will want to gather past pay stubs, and possibly a letter from your employer stating how much money you have lost while not being able to attend work. Also, bring information regarding your current salary, as well as working hours.
- Important dates: Write all important dates – such as the date of the injury, your initial diagnosis, surgery, treatments, etc. – down on a calendar, and provide it in the consultation.
- Correspondence: Any correspondence with insurance companies or the negligent party should also be brought to the consultation appointment.
- Photos: Photographs of the accident scene (if any) or injury should be brought.
- Personal records: Journal entries that describe your injuries, concerns, emotions, etc. should be brought, if possible.
- Questions for the consultation: A list of questions that you have for the attorney should be prepared beforehand – these can include how you will pay for medical treatments, your rights, and anything that you are concerned about. Spend a few days writing down every question that you have, so that you do not have to try to remember them during your appointment.
Consult with Doug Horn, a Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been seriously injured in an auto accident, do not wait. Contact the injury experts at Horn Law, P.C. today. We offer free consultations, and we are here to help you recover from your injuries. Schedule your consultation now by calling 816-795-7500, or filling out our online contact form with your legal questions.
