Five Things to Keep in Mind As You Prepare for a Consultation with a Philadelphia, PA Personal Injury Attorney
If you have sustained injuries in an accident that directly resulted from the negligent actions of one party, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the liable party. This way, you can pursue compensation for your losses including medical bills and lost wages. No matter the kind of accident you were involved in, you need to schedule a consultation with one of the best Philadelphia, PA personal injury attorneys to determine if you have a viable case. To prepare for the meeting with an attorney, the following are some points to consider:
Do Your Homework
Personal injury attorneys are not made equal. Some of them are not qualified to give you the legal representation you need. So, it is important to carry out research online to understand the regulations and learn about the credentials, background, and reputation of an attorney.
Bring Documentation
Ensure you bring with you some documentation and evidence to help the attorney determine if you have grounds to file a case against the at-fault party. The items you might have to bring include doctor’s notes, accident scene photos, medical bills, injury photos, and witness information. Keep in mind that even if you haven’t gathered evidence for your case, you should still have to consult with an attorney.
Be Honest
Usually, lawyers will use a free consultation to evaluate your own credibility. If you are not honest during your conversation and an attorney detects this, they may think the jury won’t side with you. Thankfully, it is easy to convince the lawyer that you are honest. Just tell the truth about the accident and what you have to go through because of it.
Ask Questions
Your visit to a personal injury lawyer is meant to understand the viability of your claim for compensation. But you should not hesitate to ask questions if you have any. You might need to ask about how you can pursue payment for your medical bills and lost wages, the experience of the lawyer in handling cases similar to yours, how to communicate with them, and the things you must and must not do while your case proceeds. A great attorney should be happy to answer any questions you have.
Read Hiring Documents Thoroughly
As your consultation with an attorney ends, they should tell you if they think you have a good case and are ready to represent you if you hire them. Usually, you can hire them on the spot. In this case, you will be asked to assign documents that contain information on the fees of the lawyer and other details. Make sure to reach these documents carefully before you sign them.
