What Should I Bring when I Meet with My Attorney for The First Time
Aug. 28, 2024
You may not realize it, but your chances of being hurt in a personal injury accident are quite high and after you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by another person and now you are sitting there asking what do I do next. You decide to contact an attorney and set up an initial appointment to begin the process. Naturally, you then ask yourself, “what should I bring with me when I meet with this attorney”. This is a great question and there really is no all encompassing check list, but below are a few things that if you possess will definitely help in the prosecution of your matter.
First, If you were hurt in a motor vehicle accident, New York law allows you to obtain No-Fault Benefits for your medical treatment, certain out of pocket expenses and a portion of lost wages. To allow an attorney to adequately file for such benefits it is important to bring a copy of your valid automobile insurance. This will give the attorney all of the insurance information that is needed. It will also help the attorney to explain to you other benefits you may be entitled.
Now, for all types of accidents in which one is injured due to the negligence of another, that person has the right to pursue the at-fault party. You first need to qualify by showing that the other party was at fault, and then you must prove that you suffered physical, emotional, and financial losses. Your Westchester County Attorney will assist with all legal tasks, but there are some areas where you can support such efforts. When you attend your first consultation, make sure to bring the following:
Photos: If you wisely took pictures at the scene of the accident, this will be important evidence for your attorney. Images of skid marks, dangerous conditions on property, and damage to vehicles are useful for proving fault.
Accident Reports: Officers who arrived at the scene will sometimes complete a police report, which contains statements of victims, witnesses, and other relevant details. Make sure to bring a copy to your initial consultation, as it contains facts as recorded by police. Plus, if your injuries are the result of a traffic crash, the police report will mention whether any drivers were ticketed.
Eye/Notice Witnesses: Regardless of the type of accident, names of witnesses and statements from them are also helpful as proof of fault. Someone who observed the incident as a third party may be viewed as more credible than the victim who is seeking compensation. Jot down contact information for any witnesses and provide it to your lawyer.
Medical Treatment Records or Information: Your injuries are a focus when determining losses, both the bills you incur and your pain and suffering. If you are able to obtain copies of your medical records before your consultation, bring them. Your attorney can also request these documents to use as evidence.
Work Records: If you missed work because you were injured in an accident, you may be entitled to damages for your lost wages. Your tax and paycheck records will show your earnings before your injuries, so you can claim these amounts as compensation.
Out of Pocket Expenses: You may be entitled to damages for other expenses you incur for treatment, such as pain medications and transportation to and from doctor’s appointments. Bring all documentation showing what you paid out-of-pocket for medical care.
Bringing any or all of the above can be a crucial first step in making sure your attorney has the right tools to maximize your recover. Though your attorney will take the lead with the legal process, you can make the most of your first meeting by gathering and organizing this information. For years, The Law Offices of Spencer M. Fein, P.C., has been helping accident victims receive fair and proper compensation from insurance companies. Our clients who are from all over the state including but not limited to Mt. Kisco, Ossining, Peekskill, Yonkers, Briarcliff Manor, White Plains and Mt. Vernon, have consistently given testimonials on how happy they have been with our results. Call today and someone will be happy to review your potential case for free. At the Law Offices of Spencer M. Fein, P.C. we represent individuals harmed due to the negligence of others.