9 Things to Know About Personal Injury Consultations
A person who has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, whether from a slip-and-fall, car accident, or medical malpractice incident, should meet with a personal injury attorney to learn about their legal options. An in-person visit with an experienced attorney will help prepare you for your upcoming case. Your lawyer should be able to answer all of your questions, explain any consequences, and give you real advice on what’s best to do in your specific situation.
In general, there are nine things to know about free personal injury consultations.
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Statute of Limitations
All personal injury lawsuits have a statute of limitations, meaning there’s a specific amount of time each individual has to file their case, starting at the time of the injury. The statute of limitations varies depending on the state and the type of case; generally, the time limit ranges from two to four years. If the injured person doesn’t file within the specified time limit, their case will not be heard, and they will not receive compensation.
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Getting to Know the Attorney
The injured party should always be diligent about finding the right personal injury attorney before meeting with one. It’s wise to conduct online research to learn more about them. The bar association within the state, Avvo.com, and SuperLawyers.com are good places to get information.
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What to Bring
Personal injury attorneys want their prospective clients to bring the right documentation with them to the consultation. Things to bring include tickets or citations, accident reports, pictures of the accident and injury, doctor’s notes, medical test results, witness statements and contact information, insurance cards, and the other driver’s information.
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Notes About Injury and Claim
The injured party should take notes of everything pertinent to her injury and subsequent claim. Detailing everything about the accident and how the injuries have affected the person’s everyday life is essential.
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Detailed Account
The prospective client must give the lawyer a detailed account of the incident that resulted in her injury. Generally, the attorney needs all the facts to proceed in the client’s best interests.
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Jot Down Questions
The individual should come prepared with any and all questions she has for the attorney. Writing them down ahead of time and bringing the note to the consultation ensures that all issues are addressed.
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Viability and Laws of the Case
After the attorney has all the facts of the incident that led to the person’s injury, he provides information regarding the viability of the case. Generally, some cases require lawsuits, but others don’t and can be resolved through a settlement. The attorney also informs the injured party whether her case is likely to result in financial compensation.
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Discuss Fees and Sign Documents
After the client and attorney finish discussing the options for pursuing a case, there is usually a discussion about attorney’s fees. The client may be asked to sign documents. The majority of personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, which means the client only pays if they receive compensation.
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Last Steps
The last steps of the consultation involve the lawyer and paralegals handling the case. They will begin contacting the insurance company and attempting to negotiate a satisfactory settlement. If the lawyers are unable to reach an agreement with the insurance company, they may file a lawsuit.
At Karnas Law Firm, our Tucson personal injury attorneys work diligently to get you the redress you deserve after you have been hurt by a negligent party. We look at all avenues to ensure a just outcome for your case. Rest assured you will not pay a dime until we win your case. With over 25 years of experience serving clients throughout Arizona, make the best of a free consultation. Call (520) 571-9700 or contact us online.