Skip to main content
Please enter a legal issue and/or a location
Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Injury Checklist: What to Bring to Meet Your Lawyer

If you've never hired a lawyer before, the process can seem daunting. Navigating this process can be even more stressful if you're seeking out a lawyer's services because you were recently injured.

Before you meet with your personal injury lawyer for the first time, collect any documents you have relating to your accident and injury and keep them in a folder or large envelope. Below is an injury checklist of some of the documents and other important information to take with you to your lawyer.

Information
____ Name and address of ambulance service
____ Name and address of the emergency room where you were initially taken
____ Dates you were admitted to the emergency room/hospital
____ Names and business addresses of all doctors who have examined you (If you can't remember every doctor's name, at least the names and locations of the offices, clinics, or hospitals you visited, so the attorney will know where to request medical records.)
____ Names and addresses of chiropractors you have consulted
____ Names of all people who were involved in the accident
____ Names and addresses of witnesses to the accident
____ Dates you missed work because of the accident, your employment status, and your pay rate (for calculation of lost income damages)
____ Name and telephone number of each insurance adjuster you have talked to
____ List of people you have talked to about the accident or your injuries
Documents
____ Accident report
____ Copies of any written statements
____ Your automobile insurance policy if you were injured in a car accident along with the "declarations" page or "coverage certificate" that shows what kinds of coverage you've purchased and what the policy limits are
____ Your homeowner's or renter's policy, along with the declarations page or coverage certificate
____ Medical or disability insurance policy or coverage certificate
____ Other policies, including major medical, hospitalization, veterans insurance, and the other party's insurance information
____ All correspondence you have received from any insurer about the accident or your injuries
____ Medical bills
____ Receipts for things you have had to buy because of your injury
____ Receipts for things you have had to fix because of the accident

The First Meeting: Questions to Ask a Lawyer

You want a lawyer who is right for you. While every lawyer has their own style and method of practice, there are some basic things you may want to know before hiring them. Feel free to meet with more than one attorney before you decide who to hire so you can find the right legal representative for your case.

In addition to having the proper documents to show your future lawyer, it's a good idea to prepare a list of questions to take with you to your first meeting. Some questions you might ask an accident and injury lawyer would include:

  • How many personal injury trials have they handled? Of those, how many did they win? How many cases settle?
  • What percentage of their practice is in the personal injury area of expertise that you need?
  • How long have they been in practice?
  • Would the lawyer handle the case personally or would it be passed on to some other lawyer or support staff in the firm? If other lawyers or staff may do some of the work, could you meet them?
  • What problems does the lawyer foresee with your case?
  • How would the lawyer go about handling your situation? What is the process?
  • How long will the case take?
  • How will the lawyer communicate with you and keep you updated?
  • How would the lawyer charge for their services? Is the fee fixed, charged at an hourly rate, or by contingency fee?
  • What types of experts would the lawyer use to prove your case?
  • Is there a time limit by which you must settle the case or file a lawsuit?

Get Peace of Mind From an Experienced Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you may need an experienced accident and injury lawyer. Protecting your rights and pursuing a case actively are just some of a lawyer's obligations, and they often will provide a free initial consultation. Get started today by contacting a local injury law attorney.

Was this helpful?

Thank you. Your response has been sent.

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:

Next Steps

Contact a qualified personal injury attorney to make sure your rights are protected.

Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Help Me Find a Do-It-Yourself Solution

Copied to clipboard

Find a Lawyer

More Options