You Have Nothing To Lose And A Lot To Gain At Your First Meeting
After an accident leaves you with injuries and losses, arranging for a personal injury lawyer free consultation is a crucial – and potentially life-changing – step.
This meeting, which costs nothing and does not obligate you to hire a lawyer or file a lawsuit, is your chance to find out whether you have a claim for compensation and what your options are going forward. This meeting is also a way to protect and preserve your rights and increase your chances of a favorable outcome if you ultimately file a personal injury lawsuit.
But a personal injury lawyer free consultation can also be an intimidating and unfamiliar experience, especially for the many people who have never before met with an attorney. But even those who have worked with an attorney on other matters, such as a divorce, criminal charges, or a business issue, may still not know what to expect at this first meeting.
After you have scheduled your initial free consultation, here is what you can expect when you sit down in the lawyer’s office or speak with them on the phone and how you make the most of this important meeting.
You’re Going To Talk About Your Accident and Injuries. Come Prepared.
A personal injury lawyer free consultation will be primarily about your injuries. The lawyer is going to want to know as much detail as they can about the facts and circumstances surrounding your accident, the nature and extent of the injuries you suffered, and any other losses you incurred
To ensure a productive session, gathering and organizing all relevant information regarding your personal injury claim before you sit down with them is crucial. This information may include medical records, photographs, accident reports, witness statements, any communication with insurance companies, and any other documents that reflect lost income or other expenses arising from the accident.
The Attorney Will Give You An Initial Case Evaluation
The heart of your personal injury lawyer free consultation lies in the lawyer’s evaluation of your case. They will carefully review the evidence and information you provide to determine the strength of your claim.
While no personal injury lawyer should “guarantee” that you have a winning case – there are never any guarantees in personal injury lawsuits – they should provide you with a frank opinion as to whether to pursue your claim and your chances of success if you do so.
Their professional opinion may include:
- Assessment of your case’s potential strengths and weaknesses.
- Overview of applicable laws.
- Explanation of your rights and options.
- Potential legal strategies (negotiations, settlements, lawsuit, alternative dispute resolutions).
Tell The Lawyer Everything You Know About The Accident, Even Bad Stuff
During your personal injury lawyer free consultation, you should provide as much detail as possible about how and why the accident happened. Being forthright with the lawyer is the best way to ensure an effective evaluation of your claim. Therefore, when you tell them about the incident’s circumstances, do not leave anything out, especially any facts or recollections you think could hurt your case.
Even though you haven’t hired the lawyer yet, and even if you never do, everything you say to them and everything they say to you is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. That is precisely to encourage you to be completely truthful during this meeting and not hold anything back.
Nothing is worse for your attorney and your chances of obtaining compensation than surprises. If you told the other driver after a car accident, “I’m so sorry. This was all my fault!” or you were tailgating before the crash, your lawyer will want to know that now, not later.
Related: Is Apologizing the Same as Admitting Fault in a Car Accident
Fee Structure and Costs
You have probably seen enough TV ads or billboards for Colorado Springs personal injury lawyers that say, “You pay nothing unless we obtain compensation for you!” This means that personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis; whether they receive any attorney’s fees for their work is contingent on them getting you compensation through settlement or trial.
The standard contingency fee is a set percentage of the final settlement or court award. That percentage may be higher if compensation is obtained after a trial instead of through a settlement.
Additionally, during your personal injury lawyer free consultation, they may also discuss other potential costs, such as court fees, expert witness fees, and investigation expenses, which would also come out of any compensation obtained. Before you hire any personal injury lawyer to represent you, be sure that you have a clear understanding of these fees that will determine how your final settlement is paid out.
You Might Like: How Is A Car Accident Settlement Divided in Colorado?
Client Expectations and Timeline
Understanding the timeline of your case is crucial for managing expectations.
During your personal injury lawyer free consultation, you should receive an estimate of how long the legal process may take, considering factors like the case’s complexity, negotiations, and court proceedings, should they become necessary.
Even if your case seems like a “slam dunk” (there is no such thing), prepare yourself for the possibility that the process could still drag on for months or even years. While your lawyer will do everything possible to move things along as quickly as possible, the wheels of justice often turn very slowly.
The Lawyer Will Evaluate Your Case – You Will Evaluate The Lawyer
This personal injury lawyer free consultation is a two-way street. The attorney will evaluate your potential claim, while you will size up the lawyer to determine if they are the one you want to hire for your case. You’ll want to learn about their experience, credentials, and record of success in cases like yours. This meeting is your opportunity to determine whether they are the best personal injury attorney for your case or if you should keep looking.
Schedule Your Personal Injury Lawyer Free Consultation Today With King & Beaty
At King & Beaty, our injury and accident attorneys have helped countless personal injury victims get the compensation they deserve and need to move forward with their lives after a serious accident. No matter what
And you pay nothing in attorneys’ fees unless we recover your money. Please contact us today to arrange for your complementary initial consultation.
