What You Can Expect at a First Meeting with Our Lawyer
If you are meeting with an attorney for the first time, you are probably unsure of what to expect. No matter what leads you to seek the services of a lawyer, it is normal to feel nervous and overwhelmed. You will probably have many questions and concerns. Finding a compassionate injury attorney with whom you feel comfortable is the first step to making the process more pleasant.
The First Consultation is Free
The initial consultation with one of our injury lawyers is free. The primary purpose of the talk is to meet with us and decide whether you want to work with us and for our attorney to determine if you have a good case. During the meeting, you will have an opportunity to share your situation and learn more about our law firm. Be prepared to answer any questions truthfully, and ask some questions of your own in return.
Look at the Lawyer’s Website
Take a look at our website before the meeting. The information provided on our website is intended to answer some fundamental questions people may have when they come in for an initial consultation. However, it should not be interpreted as legal advice since it does not account for the details that may come into play for your specific situation. It should only give you a feel for the basic language used in the area of law concerning your case.
Have a List of Questions Ready
Write down some questions you may have for our lawyer in advance so you can refer to them during the consultation. You may not be able to concentrate on all the information our lawyer offers during the first meeting if you have to think of your next question.
Bring all Documents Relevant to Your Case
Gather some essential documents that can help our lawyer assess the value and strength of your case. Having the paperwork ready when you meet with our attorney will help them understand the circumstances of your accident and how it can affect your immediate and long-term needs. The documents relevant to your case can include the police report, medical bills, witness statements, and photos or videos of the accident.
What Happens During the Consultation
Our lawyer will take the time to understand your situation, assess your injury claim, and determine what strategy would be best to resolve your case. We will offer advice and guidance specific to your case based on our years of experience, skills, and training. We will provide you with compassion and honesty, answer your questions and ease your worries. Our advice may not be what you expected or what you want to hear, but we will not conceal the legal truth of your case from you.
Be Sure to Take Some Notes
It can be challenging to remember everything you have discussed with our attorney, and we encourage you to take notes on essential discussion topics during your consultation. There may also be additional documents we need you to obtain before taking the next step, and it is always helpful to have those types of information written down.
The Decision to Hire or Not to Hire
You should better understand what you have accomplished and what to expect next by the end of your consultation. If all goes well, you have found a lawyer with whom you are comfortable and who wants to represent you.
Remember that meeting with our attorney does not mean you are obligated to retain us to represent you. If you decide to hire us, be prepared to sign some documents. Signing a representation agreement will make our attorney your official legal counsel in your case.
We Assure Confidentiality
We want to assure you that our office is a safe environment where attorney-client privilege and confidentiality rules apply. Any discussions we have with you will stay in our office and is not addressed elsewhere unless you give us permission to disclose it. If you have any concerns about our attorney-client confidentiality, we would be happy to explain them to you and how they apply to your case.
Did we mention coffee? We provide our visitors a fresh cup of coffee, which we keep stocked with various blends. We also have tea and water for those who don’t want the extra caffeine.
Watch YouTube Video: The Initial Interview with a Personal Injury Lawyer. The following video explains what you can expect at the first consultation with an injury attorney.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Sacramento, CA
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury attorney. If you have been seriously injured in an accident, the first step to getting compensation for your damages is to consult with an experienced lawyer. Call our law firm today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You may also contact us online.
We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
See a list of our past cases on our verdicts and settlements page and our client reviews on Avvo, Yelp, and Google.
Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
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