How do I prepare for an initial meeting with my personal injury attorney in Miami or Fort Lauderdale?
You prepare for your meeting with your personal injury attorney by gathering all the documents you have that are related in any way to your accident as well as the damages you have sustained as a result of your accident. Additionally you should gather all the photos you have of the accident, including any property damage or vehicle damage, and your physical injuries.
For example, if you were in an automobile accident, you need to bring that attorney the following items if you have them:
- Photos of the crash, including vehicles involved and the damages as a result of the crash.
- Fire Rescue or Ambulance Records and/or Reports.
- Any cards received from the police officer or agency including accident case numbers.
- Emergency Room and other medical records.
- Information about any possible witnesses
- Records indicating lost income due to missed time from work (which many people have when they’ve been in an automobile accident), including pay stubs or direct deposit records.
- Medical records documenting pre-existing conditions or injuries.
- Copy of your driver’s license.
- Copy of proof of your automobile insurance.
- Copy of health insurance card.
- Copy of Medicare/Medicaid card, if any.
Simply put, you should bring as much information and documentation as possible to your first meeting with a personal injury attorney. Because the more information you provide to your personal injury attorney the faster he or she can help you and your loved ones by prosecuting your case. The personal injury attorney’s initial job is like putting together a puzzle. The more pieces of the puzzle you provide him or her the quicker the personal injury attorney can put the puzzle of your case together and begin to advocate on your behalf.
Never assume that something is insignificant or unnecessary or that the personal injury attorney won’t need it. Let the personal injury attorney, who is experienced in these matters, make that decision once you meet with him or her in person.
Also, sometimes people have in their possession witness statements, or the names and telephone numbers of people that may have witnessed the accident. That type of information is extremely valuable to a personal injury, as they can go talk to those witnesses and discuss the case, and find out what they saw. Please remember that people’s memories fade with time so any delay in providing the personal injury attorney with information about witnesses can significantly damage the value of your case. Also, witnesses are sometimes your best advocates because they are individuals who are not financially interested in the case, but since they witnessed the accident and they can provide valuable information and testimony as to what actually happened and who was responsible for the accident.
If you need a Personal Injury Attorney in South Florida Call Payer & Associates Today
If you would like to speak to a personal injury attorney call the aggressive and experienced personal injury attorneys at Payer & Associates at (786) 509-7484, (954) 463-2111 or 305-854-4442 for your free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys today. Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and we have offices located in Miami and Fort Lauderdale to better serve our clients. Home and hospital visits are also available upon request.
