What to take to your free, initial consultation

If your case does get to a trial in a courtroom, you’ll want great representation by an attorney. The first step is the free, initial consultation. (Ammodramus photo/Wikimedia Commons)

Say you’ve been injured in an auto accident or a slip and fall case, and you’re wondering if you have a claim or lawsuit to recover your medical expenses, lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering. You may think it costs too much to hire a lawyer, and maybe you should file a claim with the insurance company and just settle with them.

But did you know that our law firm allows prospective clients a first consultation at no cost to you, the customer? And, if we take your case, it will be on a contingency, meaning that we will only get paid if we recover money for you.  You can meet with a lawyer for free to have him assess whether or not you have a valid basis for a lawsuit.

You might feel nervous going into the meeting, but the majority of attorneys and their staffs will put you at ease and help you understand what they need from you and what they can do for you.

Here is what you should you take to that first consultation to make sure you get all your questions answered and so the attorney has what he needs to proceed with a case:

• Bring documentation of the accident. That includes letters and any other documents you collected with regard to your accident, including dealings with the authorities or insurance companies. If it was an auto accident and the other person was at fault and got a traffic/police report or citation or if a criminal complaint was filed against them, be sure to let the attorney know right away. This is very important in a lawsuit.
• Take diagrams and photos of the accident and also any photos of the injuries you may have sustained. This helps the lawyer better comprehend who was at fault and how the accident happened and also how bad your injuries were.
• You will no doubt have questions. Write them down because you may forget them if you don’t. Keep a notebook with you in the days after the accident and before the meeting with the attorney to write down questions as they occur. Take the pad with you to the consultation. It will help us help you understand your case better.
• Always bring a copy of your own insurance policy or declarations page as this way the attorney can make a determination if you have Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage and medical bills advance payment (MedPay).

Contact your personal injury attorneys at Krasney Law, (909) 361-3907. We will charge you nothing for the initial consultation, and we may arrange payment on a contingency basis. That is, we don’t get paid unless you accept a settlement or we go to trial. Contact us today.