If you get into an injury-causing accident, it is going to cause major disruptions. It might require multiple trips to the doctor’s office and possibly a hospital stay. It could also mean being kept from working while you recover.
If it’s a car accident, you will also have to deal with getting your car fixed or replaced. According to information collected by the Louisiana State University (LSU), there were over 42,000 injury-related crashes and 105,000 property damage crashes in 2022 alone. No matter what type of accident you’re involved in, the expenses are going to add up quickly.
Although it might not be a priority, sooner or later, you’ll need to set up your first meeting with a personal injury attorney. That initial meeting can help answer your questions and provide you with guidance about the next steps forward in pursuing compensation.
Bianca | Matkins is exactly the type of law firm that can provide that information. The following tips can help you get prepared for that first important meeting.
Research the Firm
If you enter into an agreement with an attorney to help with your personal injury claim, you need to research what the firm is all about. That begins with looking at the attorney profiles, reading client testimonials, and reviewing the firm’s successes. This research will help you learn what the firm is all about and boost your confidence by selecting them to represent your interests.
Gather All Relevant Documents
There will always be two versions of how an accident happened. Your version of events must be supported by evidence. There will be a lot of records and documents generated in the aftermath of your accident. That begins with your first trip to an emergency room. According to a report by CBS News, the average cost of a trip to a Louisiana ER is around $1,184 before your insurance kicks in.
You should gather all relevant documents to bring to your first meeting with a personal injury attorney. Those documents should include the following:
- Emergency room/urgent care visits
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Imaging or diagnostic tests like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
- Specialist consultations
- Physical therapy appointments
- Other medical care
- Travel for doctor’s appointments
- Pharmacy receipts/medication costs
You also want to bring any documentation directly related to your accident, such as a police crash report or accident report created at the property where you were injured.
Make A List Of Any Questions You Have
You will no doubt have questions about your situation. There is nothing wrong with writing out those questions. You should also write the answers as you get them so that all your issues will be addressed.
Here are some questions you might want to ask at your first meeting with a personal injury attorney:
Who will specifically handle my case?
In a firm like Bianca | Matkins, we have a team of experienced and dedicated attorneys. If we agree to move forward, you will be assigned a lead attorney. You will also benefit from the skills and experience of everyone in the firm. We take pride in dedicating the entire team to every case.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
As the victim of a personal injury, you are entitled to seek economic and noneconomic damages.
The economic damages would cover all the expenses you either paid out or will owe. That damage will also cover your lost wages or future earnings if you can’t return to work. The noneconomic damages will include your pain and suffering caused by the accident. It’s an amount that is meant to compensate you for the impact on your quality of life.
The attorneys you meet with will not be able to provide you with an exact number without a deeper understanding of your losses. However, they might be able to provide you with a range of the types of compensation that would be applicable to your claim.
Could I handle this case on my own?
Insurance companies have made it easy for policyholders to file claims through their website portals.
However, once your claim is filed, you might find a lot of challenges with getting the insurance company to provide a fair settlement. They can delay and deny. When you hire an attorney, you are hiring an advocate to represent you in any of the ongoing negotiations. That can help ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation due to you.
Will my case go to trial?
The majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court. The primary reason for moving to a civil complaint is if the insurance company denies your claim or insists on paying a lower offer than what you’re due.
If you and your attorney agree on the lawsuit approach, your case will be presented to a jury, and they will make the final determination.
How does the contingency fee agreement work?
A personal injury case that works on a contingency fee means you will not have to pay any out-of-pocket expenses unless your attorneys are successful in getting you a fair settlement. That includes a settlement directly with the insurance company or with the result of the trial.
The attorney fees and expenses will be deducted from the final settlement. You should ask about the percentage range of deduction that you could expect for your case.
How long will the case take?
Every case is different, but they all fall under the Louisiana statute of limitations. That allows you to file a lawsuit one year from the day of the accident. Given the potential delays with the insurance company, it is vital that you get the process started as quickly as possible.
Organize a Communication Strategy
It will also be important to discuss a potential communication strategy with your attorneys. You want to find out what is the best way to contact them if you have questions. It is also important to understand how they intend to keep you informed. Will it be with weekly email or phone updates?
At Bianca | Matkins, we strive to keep the lines of communication open with our clients. We firmly believe that the best decision you can make about your claim is an informed decision. Our first consultation is free. Call to schedule that discussion today. We’re eager to hear from you.
