What to Bring With You for Your Free Case Evaluation

Steven A. Bagen | October 17, 2024 | Personal Injury

If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, meeting with a personal injury attorney is a critical first step in getting the compensation you deserve. Most personal injury lawyers offer a free case evaluation, where they will review your situation and help you understand your legal options. But to get the most out of this consultation, it’s important to come prepared.

Knowing what to bring with you can help your attorney assess your case more efficiently to provide accurate advice about the potential outcome. There are several key items and information you should have on hand during your consultation if possible, and it’s important to understand why having these materials is necessary to build a strong case.

Accident Report or Police Report

One of the most important documents you can bring to your consultation is the accident report or police report, if applicable. This report offers a factual record of the incident, providing important details like where the accident occurred, the names of witnesses, and the official account of what happened.

For example, if you were involved in a car accident, the police report will contain valuable information about the other driver’s liability, any citations issued, and statements from both parties. If you don’t have a copy of the police report, your attorney can help you obtain one.

Why It’s Important: The police or accident report serves as an objective account of what transpired. It’s one of the first pieces of evidence your attorney will review to assess liability and establish the strength of your case. It’s also critical in negotiations with insurance companies, as they will look at the report when deciding whether to make a settlement offer.

Medical Records

After an injury, your medical records are some of the most important pieces of evidence to prove the extent of your injuries. Bring any medical documentation you’ve received since the accident, including:

• Emergency room records
• X-rays, MRIs, or other diagnostic tests
• Treatment records from doctors, physical therapists, or chiropractors
• Prescription receipts
• Discharge summaries

If your injuries are ongoing, try to bring documentation that shows the long-term or permanent nature of your injuries, such as treatment plans or reports from specialists.

Why It’s Important: Medical records provide critical evidence of the severity and nature of your injuries, which will significantly influence the value of your claim. Without medical documentation, it becomes challenging to prove the connection between the accident and your injuries, making it harder to secure compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Photographs and Videos

Visual evidence can be powerful. If you took any photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, or the damage to your property, bring them to your consultation. This includes:

• Photos of the accident scene (e.g., road conditions, damage to vehicles, etc.)
• Images of your injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones
• Pictures of any damaged property (e.g., vehicle damage, personal items)

If you didn’t take any photos at the time of the accident, don’t worry— it’s never too late to capture images of lingering injuries or damaged personal property. It’s likely that the police report may contain some photos or nearby surveillance footage capturing the important events. The sooner you hire a personal injury attorney, the better, as they can track down this evidence.

Why It’s Important: Visual evidence can support your claims, especially when dealing with insurance companies or in court. Photographs can show the extent of property damage or injuries in ways that words or documents cannot. They can also provide valuable insight into the conditions that led to the accident, such as a dangerous road or defective equipment.

Witness Contact Information

If there were any witnesses to the accident, their testimony can significantly support your case. If you have this information, bring the names and contact information of any witnesses who were present at the scene. If you don’t have them, your personal injury attorney can get them from the police report or otherwise track them down.

Why It’s Important: Witnesses can provide independent accounts of what happened, which can strengthen your claim. Their testimony may corroborate your version of events and counter any arguments from the at-fault party or insurance companies.

Correspondence with Insurance Companies

If you’ve already been in contact with insurance companies, bring any letters, emails, or other correspondence related to your claim. This includes:

• Emails or letters from insurance adjusters
• Settlement offers
• Claim numbers
• Denials of coverage or payment

If you’ve had phone conversations with insurance representatives, it’s helpful to bring any notes you took during those calls, including the names of the people you spoke with and the dates and times of the calls.

Why It’s Important: Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts, and your attorney needs to know the full extent of your interactions with them. They will review any offers or denials you’ve received to determine whether the insurance company is acting in good faith and whether the offer is fair. If you’ve received a lowball settlement offer, your attorney can negotiate for a higher amount or decide if it’s time to take your case to court.

Documentation of Lost Earnings

If your injuries have caused you to miss work, bring documentation showing the income you’ve lost. This can include:

• Pay stubs
• W-2s or 1099s
• A letter from your employer confirming the time you’ve missed
• Documentation of any vacation or sick days you’ve used

If your injuries will prevent you from returning to work in the future, try to bring any documentation that shows the expected duration of your disability or inability to work.

Why It’s Important: Lost earnings are a significant component of personal injury claims. In addition to recovering the income you’ve already lost, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost income if your injuries prevent you from returning to work. Your attorney will use this documentation to calculate how much you’re owed for lost earnings and reduced earning capacity.

Receipts and Bills for Out-of-Pocket Expenses

In addition to medical bills, personal injury victims often incur a variety of out-of-pocket expenses related to their injuries. These might include:

• Costs for medical devices (e.g., crutches, wheelchairs, etc.)
• Travel expenses to and from medical appointments
• In-home care or modifications to your home
• Childcare expenses if you’re unable to care for your children due to your injuries

Bring any receipts or bills that show these expenses.

Why It’s Important: Out-of-pocket expenses can add up quickly after a serious injury, and you may be entitled to reimbursement for these costs. Your attorney will use this documentation to calculate the full extent of your financial losses, ensuring you’re compensated for more than medical bills and lost income.

A Timeline of the Incident and Recovery

Write down a timeline of events leading up to and following the accident. This can include details such as:

• The date and time of the accident
• Where the accident occurred
• What you were doing when the accident happened
• Any immediate medical treatment you received
• Key milestones in your recovery (e.g., surgeries, physical therapy sessions, etc.)
• How the injury has impacted your daily life

Why It’s Important: Having a clear timeline of events can help your attorney understand the full scope of your case. It also helps you remember important details that might otherwise slip your mind during the consultation. This timeline will give your attorney a clearer picture of how the accident has affected your life and what kind of compensation you may be entitled to.

Your Insurance Policies

Bring copies of your own insurance policies, including health insurance, car insurance (if applicable), and any other relevant coverage. It’s also helpful to bring your insurance card or policy number if you don’t have the full policy document.

Why It’s Important: Your insurance coverage may play a role in your personal injury claim. For example, if you were involved in a car accident and the other driver was uninsured, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply. Your attorney will review your policies to determine how they affect your case and what compensation you may be entitled to under your own coverage.

Questions for the Attorney

Finally, come prepared with a list of questions you’d like to ask the attorney. Some common questions include:

• How long will my case take to resolve?
• What is my case worth?
• How much will you charge me if we win the case?
• What should I do next to protect my legal rights?
• How often will you update me on the status of my case?

Why It’s Important: A free case evaluation is your opportunity to get answers to your most pressing questions. Writing them down ahead of time ensures you don’t forget anything important during the meeting. This is also your chance to assess whether the attorney is a good fit for you.

Why You Should Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

A personal injury attorney can be an invaluable resource when dealing with the aftermath of an injury. Whether you were involved in a car accident, a slip and fall, or any other type of injury, having an experienced lawyer by your side can make a world of difference. Here’s why it’s imperative to reach out to a seasoned personal injury attorney:

• Navigating the Legal Process: The legal system can be complex and overwhelming. A personal injury attorney knows the ins and outs of the process and can guide you every step of the way.
• Maximizing Your Compensation: Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements in the hopes that you’ll accept less than you deserve. A lawyer will fight to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries.
• Investigating Your Case: An attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident, gathering evidence and building a strong case to prove liability and damages.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies can be tough to deal with, especially when you’re trying to recover from an injury. A lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance company, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
• No Upfront Costs: Since the majority of personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay unless you win your case. This makes legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status.

Injured in a Recent Accident? Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

A free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney is a critical step in securing the compensation you deserve. By coming prepared with the right documents and information, you can ensure that your attorney has everything they need to assess your case and give you the best possible advice. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer for help. They can make all the difference in your recovery process and get the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.