An accident that results in a personal injury can bring your world crashing down around you – or so it seems. It’s definitely not easy dealing with the medical bills piling up, the repair costs to get your personal property fixed, or the pain and suffering you’ve been through. But it’s not the end of the world. With the right mindset and personal injury attorney, you can get your life back on track and forget your accident altogether.
If you’re preparing to contact your attorney, here are a few frequently asked questions to help you figure out what’s to come.
What does my attorney need from me?
A reputable and experienced personal injury lawyer, such as one at Barry P. Goldberg, A Professional Law Corporation, is able to do most, if not all, of the leg work without you having to bring much to the table. However, you can make their job significantly easier (in other words, make your case easier to win) if you bring a few things with you to your consultation.
- Detailed written description of the accident. As soon as you’re able to, write down a detailed chronology of your accident. The events will still be fresh in your head if you do this immediately following your accident, and can help with any clarifications later on. A first-hand account also helps establish a timeline and any other parties involved.
- Photos of the accident. If you’re able, take as many photos of the accident and your injuries as possible. Photo evidence is extremely difficult to dispute in court and can effectively back up your written statement. The more photos you have, the easier it will be to tell your story.
- Medical bills/receipts. Provided you received medical care for your injuries (which you should absolutely do, if you haven’t already), bring any related bills or receipts with you to your meeting. These will establish the severity and validity of your injuries, particularly in the eyes of the insurance company. It is absolutely essential for you to seek out medical attention after your accident, even if you don’t believe you sustained any significant injuries.
Will my attorney take my case?
A personal injury attorney will examine your case and determine if it’s worth pursuing. In some cases, it will do more harm than good to file a claim, but in most situations you can expect the attorney to accept your case. An attorney will look at the specifics of your situation, such as the extent of your injuries, the amount of evidence you have, the amount of fault that can be attributed to the other party (or parties), and the overall damage incurred (property, personal, etc.) to determine whether it’s worth pursuing. These factors will also determine how much your case is worth.
Should I accept the insurance company’s offer? If this is the first offer they have presented you, then you should NOT accept it. In most scenarios, the insurance company will offer you a settlement that is much less than what your case is actually worth. They do this in hopes of contractually preventing you from seeking more money. If the insurance company approaches you with an offer, do not respond; contact your personal injury attorney immediately to determine your next steps.
Don’t let yourself become the victim of your accident; take control and contact your personal injury attorney to begin the claim process. Call today.