Checklist: Preparing To Meet With Your Attorney After a Car Accident

Driving a car carries many responsibilities, such as obeying traffic laws and obtaining insurance. Your attorney is going to be interested in knowing the specifics of the accident. They will also have documents they are interested in reviewing.

The following is a checklist of items you might want to think about and prepare for before meeting your attorney for the first time.

Accident Information

• Are you prepared to explain the details of the accident?
• What day did the accident occur?
• What time of day did the accident occur?
• What was the exact location of accident?
• What was the weather like?
• What was the roadway like (wet, dry smooth, pot-holed,etc.)?
• Were other cars or people involved?
• How did the accident occur?
• Were police called to the scene?
• Was a police report filed?
• What traffic violations, if any, were you charged with?
• Was an ambulance called to the scene?
• Were any photographs taken at the scene?
• Were any television or other media crews at the scene?
• Are you prepared to provide information about witnesses or other individuals involved in the accident?
• What are the names of witnesses or other involved parties? (And their relation to you, if any) 
• Phone and license plate numbers involved in the accident
• Are you prepared to provide information about your injuries?

Medical Information

• Were you treated by emergency personnel?
• Were you taken to a hospital?
• What was your immediate diagnosis?
• What treatments were you initially provided?
• Did you have x-rays or other scans taken?
• Were you hospitalized? For how long?
• What follow-up or additional treatment have you had?
• What are your present symptoms?
• What is your present diagnosis?
• What normal activities are you unable to do because of your injuries?
• What are the names and locations of all hospitals, clinics, doctors, specialists, chiropractors, physical therapists, or other providers you have seen for your injuries?
• Names of providers who have referred you to other providers?
• Who is your general or family physician?
• Have you ever had similar injuries in the past?
• Are you prepared to provide information about yourself?

General Information

• Your age and birthdate?
• Your address?
• Your telephone number?
• Your social security number?
• Your marital status?
• Your children, if any?
• Your present employment, if any?
• Your wages or salary?
• Have you missed time from work as a result of the accident?
• Do you have a valid driver's license?
• Do you have automobile insurance?
• Who is your insurer?
• Have you previously been involved in any car accidents?
• Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
• Are you prepared to provide information about your car?

Information About Property Damage:

• Make, model, and year of car?
• Is there a lien-holder or bank interest in the car?
• How long have you owned the car?
• What is the working condition of the car?
• When was your car last serviced or seen by a mechanic?
• What damages were sustained to your car during the accident?
• Have you received an estimate for the damages?
• Did your car have any damages, dings, or dents prior to the accident?
• Do you have photographs of your car both before and after the accident?

Prepared to Meet with an Attorney?

If you're in a serious accident, you'll benefit from having an attorney represent you both for your own damages and against any claims others might make against you. While accident victims sometimes see selecting and meeting with an attorney as a daunting task, it doesn't have to be. Find an experienced car accident attorney near you today to learn more.