What to Bring to Your Car Accident Consultation
The moments following a Texas car accident are a blur. Understandably, accident victims may feel overwhelmed by the thought of bringing a personal injury lawsuit. However, at the same time, under state law, you have only two years to file a claim. Otherwise, you run the risk of the court dismissing your case, leaving you with no way to recover for your injuries.
For many accident victims, the first step on the road to financial recovery is to contact a car accident attorney. Personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to accident victims. A consultation is a good way to learn more about the recovery process. However, to get the most out of a free car accident consultation, it is important that you prepare as best you can.
If possible, bring the following when you attend a consultation with a car accident attorney.
A Copy of the Police Report
A police report is one of the most important documents you can bring with you to a consultation with an attorney. When a police officer arrives at the scene of an accident, they will create a report. The report contains a lot of valuable information, such as the names of the other drivers and their insurance companies. The accident report will also include the officer’s assessment of what led to the collision. Accident reports are also helpful in that they document the accident, making it harder for insurance companies to claim that your injuries were pre-existing or caused by some other event.
Moreover, such documents are required when your case needs to be handled from a legal aspect. Therefore, experts at Wattel&York recommend keeping a check on all papers related to the incident. And an attorney would need such documents for deeper insights.
Photos
If you have any photographs of the accident scene, be sure to bring them with you when you meet with a lawyer. You should also bring any photographs of your injuries. These pictures can help the attorney assess the strength of your case.
Car Insurance Information
Even if you were not at fault for the accident, your car insurance policy may cover some or all of your damages. Your attorney will want to know what type of car insurance you have and the policy limits.
Medical Records
Medical records are a vital component in any car accident case. Be sure to bring all related medical records, including those for follow-up visits and physical therapy. Having detailed medical records will help your attorney assess the severity of your injuries. Your attorney may be able to use this information to give you an estimate of what you could expect to recover if you are successful.
Witness Information
If anyone else witnessed the accident, provide their contact information to your attorney. In many Texas car accident cases, the other party (or their insurance company) will claim that they were not at fault. Having a witness to the accident will help prove that you were not at fault.
Questions
Bring a list of questions to your consultation that will help you determine whether the attorney is right for you. Consider questions like:
- How long have you been in practice?
- How often do you handle car accident cases?
- How much do you think my claim is worth?
- How can I get in touch with you when I have questions?
- Will I be working with any other attorneys or staff in your office?
Although experience is paramount, you should also be sure to choose an attorney you feel comfortable with.