Have you ever wondered what happens when you seek a free consultation from a personal injury law firm? Unless you have hired a personal injury lawyer, you might not know what to expect.
Technically, these consultations provide you with a chance to discuss the situation with your lawyer before litigation.
The first thing you will be required to do is explain to the lawyer how you acquired your injuries. They will provide you with a detailed explanation of the legal actions that should be taken and how you can be compensated.
Stick along for an insight into some of the critical things you can expect from the personal injury lawyers at MNH Injury Lawyers and other top law firms during a consultation.
1. Time is Limited
The first thing your lawyer will explain to you is that time is limited. They will explain the meaning of terms and phrases, such as the statute of limitations. Apart from that, they will also insist on the importance of treating your case as urgent.
Depending on your preparedness, they will advise on starting the process as soon as possible. You can decide to hire them to kickstart your personal injury claim process or hire another lawyer.
2. Bring Your Documents
The second thing your lawyer will advise is to bring supporting documents as evidence. Some of these documents include car accident reports, medical records, a witness list, and photos of the accident scene. This will provide your lawyer with a better position to give more detailed and accurate advice.
It will also help them start your case immediately in case you hire them to represent you in court. Additionally, you should also consider bringing a copy of the police report and the information or contact information of the eyewitness.
3. You Will Need to Be Honest
Another thing your lawyer will explain is the importance of being honest. You will need to be honest, open, and frank during and after the free consultation. It is one of the most important things you should do. Besides, your lawyer can also advise on the facts to disclose, depending on the details provided.
It is imperative to note that if you withhold critical information from your lawyer, you might not get the compensation you deserve. Besides, lawyers have attorney-client confidentiality that prevents them from disclosing information discussed during consultation.
4. Fees and Range of Outcomes to Expect
There are many disputes between lawyers and clients because of fees and terms of payment. For this reason, if you want to avoid misunderstandings, your lawyer will provide you with a fee structure outlining how much it will cost you to hire them and the outcomes to expect.
You will also need to learn about contingency fees and how they work. Most lawyers charge contingency fees during consultation, which makes it necessary to understand what it entails.
5. Lawyer Experience
Skills are earned through experience. Your lawyer will ensure you have all the details about why they are best suited for the case. Take this opportunity to vet them before you decide to hire them to help you get your compensation.
Additionally, the decision to proceed with the case rests upon you, and if you find the lawyer to be unsuitable, you can choose to try out another option like consumer rights websites such as The Consumer Shield.
Final Thoughts
After you get injured in an accident, the recommended option is to search for a law firm in your area that offers free initial consultations. They will invite you to their offices or offer these services online or via phone. Utilize the time to ask as many questions as you can and interview them before you hire them.
Article and permission to publish here provided by Paul Bennet. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on March 23, 2024.
Cover image provided by imagesource.io.