What to Bring: Initial Consultation Truck Accident Lawyer?

Initial Consultation Truck Accident Lawyer

Written by Jeremy D. Earle, JD

April 16, 2023

Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Colorado Springs

Truck accidents are frequently among the most serious car collisions that a person can encounter. If you were injured in an accident caused by a careless commercial truck driver, you would most likely require assistance with medical bills and car replacement. You may be aware that you require the services of a skilled truck accident lawyer and have considered scheduling an initial consultation with one. But what exactly will this consultation entail, and what should you bring when meeting with an attorney? Continue reading to learn how to get ready for your initial consultation.

Explanation of the Initial Consultation

A preliminary consultation, also known as a case review, is a service provided by attorneys to potential clients. It’s an opportunity for you to talk about the specifics of your case, ask questions, and get advice on your legal options.

It is also a time for the truck accident attorney to determine if they can be of service to you. Sometimes they will not be able to. As the victim of a truck accident, you will want to decide if you wish to retain the services of this truck accident attorney. Many truck accident lawyers provide these initial consultations for free. They also work on a contingency fee basis, so they only get paid if they recover compensation for you.

Before You Go to Your First Consultation

Before you come in for your first meeting, be sure you know what kind of attorney you need. A personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents may help those injured in a truck collision. In addition, the proper lawyer will:

They must be licensed to practice law in your specific state and have a local office so you may meet with them in person if required throughout your case.

Have previous negotiating experience. You’ll want to know that your lawyer has experience negotiating settlements and that their clients have been adequately reimbursed as a result of these agreements.

You must have prior trial experience. True, the great majority of cases are never brought to trial. On the other hand, your lawyer should be competent to represent you in court if required.

When you select an attorney, be careful to ask whether the first consultation is free when you phone to arrange your appointment to prevent being surprised by a cost for the time.

Although meeting with an attorney for the first time is nothing to be afraid of, you should be prepared. You should bring a pen and paper to take notes on what the attorney says, and they will want to examine any material you have about the case to have a better picture of what happened and what compensation you could be entitled to.

Make sure you arrive on time for your appointment. Dress professionally—you don’t have to wear a suit, but you should make it clear to the attorney that you are serious about becoming their client and that your case is serious as well.

If your injuries are so serious that the attorney must meet with you in your hospital room or at your home and you cannot dress professionally, this rule does not apply. In such a circumstance, the lawyer will undoubtedly comprehend.

Bring your receipts and any expense documentation.

Your case’s worth is determined by the medical and property damage costs you’ve experienced as a consequence of the accident. Here’s a list of things you’ll want to get together to show the lawyer:

All medical bills and documentation from every provider you’ve seen, including paramedics, the emergency room, the hospital, surgical centers, diagnostic centers, primary care providers, specialists, physical therapists, psychologists, and any other care providers who treated you for accident-related injuries.

Any paperwork relating to your prognosis or the necessity for future medical care.

Receipts for rehabilitation, adaptive, or accessibility equipment, such as a wheelchair or ramps.

A record of the time you’ve missed at work as a result of your injury, including time away from work for medical and surgery appointments.

Pay stubs proving your earnings before the accident, as well as proof of any benefits you used to deal with your injuries, such as vacation or sick time.

Keep a diary of your pain and how your injuries have affected your quality of life.

Please bring your police report.

If you and the attorney agree to collaborate on your case, the attorney must document all of the damages in your case and show that the other driver was negligent. They will also try to find other parties who could be held liable in the case.

In a truck accident, there are frequently multiple liable parties, including the company for which the truck driver works, the truck driver, and occasionally others. While a traffic accident report or police report isn’t absolute proof of liability, the responding law enforcement officer’s narrative can be a powerful negotiating tool during the settlement process.

If you know which police department investigated your truck accident, you can simply call that agency and ask to obtain a copy of the police report. Many police departments and law enforcement agencies will provide a way to request and receive a police report online.

Once you have received the police report, you should read the traffic accident report for accuracy. If there are factual errors, you can contact the investigating police officer or agency and ask to correct the police report or if you can provide information for a supplement.

The information that the big rig truck attorney needs to see from the police report when evaluating your case includes:

The exact details of the accident, including the date, the time of day if relevant, the specific location, and the weather at the time of the accident.

An accident diagram and description based on the officer’s observations and statements from the drivers and witnesses.

The officer’s preliminary determination of fault, as well as any citations issued.

Any witnesses to the accident’s names and contact information.

The truck driver’s name and the firm for which they work.

Car descriptions and insurance information for all parties involved in the collision.

Bring any photos you took at the accident scene.

Photographs are strong proof. Bring any images you took at the accident site or had taken for you to the first appointment. The following are some photos that may aid the attorney in evaluating your case:

Photographs of the weather and traffic conditions at the time of your accident

Photographs of your car’s damage

Photographs of skid marks, shattered auto components, or other damaged things

Photographs of any obvious injuries you may have

Other Things to Consider

You should bring a few more objects to your appointment if you have them. These are some of them:

Any insurance company that had contacted you, including the name and phone number of the person who phoned you, when the discussion took place, and what you spoke about. You should also bring any emails or letters you’ve received concerning the accident from any insurance company.

A copy of your doctor’s letter to your employer if you were instructed that you shouldn’t undertake particular jobs when you return to work because of your injury.

A copy of your insurance plans as well as your insurance details.

Bring your questions with you.

The first consultation is not only a time for the attorney to learn about the case, but it is also a chance for you to learn about the attorney and decide whether they are the kind of lawyers you want to deal with. Because consultation time is frequently limited, it is a good idea to jot down any questions you may have ahead of time. While you should ask additional questions throughout your chat, here are some examples of questions you should ask:

What is the statute of limitations (how long do I have to submit my case)?

Who is responsible for paying my medical bills?

What kind of damages could I be able to get back?

How likely is it that my lawsuit will be settled?

How much is my lawsuit worth?

Have you been practicing personal injury law for a long time?

Do you have any expertise with truck accident cases? How many truck accident cases have you handled and settled?

Do you have any experience dealing with situations where the victim had injuries similar to mine?

Do you understand the state and federal rules that apply to the trucking industry? Are you familiar with the types of proof you’ll need from the trucking firm, such as electronic hours of service logs, drug and alcohol tests, and maintenance records, and how to get it?

Do you have experience dealing with corporate legal firms that transportation companies often employ?

Are you willing to hunt for other parties who might be held accountable, such as the transportation company, the broker or shipper, or a faulty components manufacturer?

How much truck accident investigation experience does your legal team have? Do you have the necessary resources to conduct a thorough investigation? Do you have access to specialists such as doctors and accident reconstructionists?

Do you intend to first file an accident claim with all culpable parties’ insurance companies? Are you willing to defend me in court if those insurance companies refuse to provide a reasonable settlement?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of my case?

How does your company manage client communication?

What is the person’s name who will be my point of contact?

Will you be the sole lawyer I’ll be dealing with?

How many clients do you represent at any one time?

Will I be kept up to date on all developments in my case?

How often will I be informed?

How do clients pay for your services, and what are my payment options?

Are you able to offer me client references?

Is it mandatory for me to hire an attorney after a consultation? I

s my lawyer required to represent me?

After an initial meeting, you are under no obligation to employ an attorney, and it is common for clients to speak with two or more lawyers before deciding who they want to work on their case. You may opt not to collaborate with the attorney who gave you the consultation for a variety of reasons, including:

He or she isn’t an expert in the sort of accident you’ve had.

You want an attorney who has handled truck accident cases before.

Your lawyer is solely interested in negotiating a settlement and is unwilling to represent you in court.

You believe you are due more in damages than your lawyer claims your case is worth.

You’re concerned that the attorney will be representing a large number of clients at once and that your case will not get the personal attention it requires.

Similarly, the lawyer is not compelled to accept your case. If the attorney informs you that they cannot deliver the services you need, do not take it personally. This is due to a variety of factors, including:

The attorney lacks the necessary experience to represent you.

They don’t believe you’ll be able to show that the other party owes you damages with the evidence you have.

Their caseload is too heavy for them to provide the time and attention your case requires.

If you and the attorney decide to collaborate, you will certainly be given documentation to sign. Before signing, please make sure you have thoroughly read and understood these contracts.

Feel free to ask the attorney any questions you have concerning the papers, as well as any other questions you may have throughout your case. In addition, you should inquire about the following stages in your case with the attorney. They may request extra documentation from you and should inform you of the statute of limitations for filing your case if you need to go to court, as well as any other statutory deadlines you must fulfill along the road.

Contact the professional and caring Warrior Attorney at Law by phone at 719-300-1100 or online if you or a loved one might benefit from a consultation. Do not be hesitant. Call now to see what the best course of action is for you to collect compensation.

 

 

Warrior Car Accident Lawyers

1902 W. Colorado Ave., Suite 100

Colorado Springs, CO 80904

719-300-1100

Free Consultation

NO FEE UNLESS WE WIN

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