If you’ve been injured in an accident and are considering pursuing a personal injury claim, you might be wondering what happens during a free consultation with a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer.
This initial meeting is your opportunity to share the details of your case, learn about the attorney’s approach, and decide whether they are the right fit for you. It’s also a chance for the attorney to evaluate the strength of your claim and outline the potential next steps.
It’s a big step forward for a lot of our clients, and we find it helps when they have a better sense of what to expect.
The Room (or Zoom) Where it Happens
Free initial consultations from the Fort Myers personal injury lawyer team at Garvin Injury Law can take place in a variety of settings. It’s often what’s most convenient and comfortable for the prospective client. We offer:
- In-person. Meeting face-to-face – at our offices, your home, or in the hospital – can allow for a more personal experience, and the ability to hand over documents directly.
- Over the phone. A phone consultation is ideal for those who are unable to travel or who need to speak with a lawyer right away.
- Video call. Platforms like Zoom offer the best of both worlds, combining convenience with the ability to see the attorney face-to-face. We may ask that you send documents or other materials in advance or directly after.
What Will the Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer Want to Know?
At Garvin Injury Law, our free initial consultations are primarily about fact-finding, and possibly expectation-setting. The attorney will ask questions to better understand your situation, assess the viability of our claim, and determine what’s most likely the best legal strategy for your claim.
The exact questions will depend on the specifics of the case. That said, topics that commonly arise include:
- Details of the incident. Be prepared to explain what happened, including providing details of when, where, and how the incident or accident occurred.
- Injuries sustained. Both the viability and value of a personal injury case can hinge largely on the severity of injuries sustained. The attorney is going to want a description of injuries, any diagnoses, and the treatments you’ve received so far.
- Insurance coverage. If available, bring any documentation related to your insurance policies, as well as details about any communication you’ve had with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Evidence and documentation. The attorney will likely ask that you bring or provide any photos, videos, police reports, witness contact information, or medical records you might have.
- Impact on your life. We understand talking about what happened may be painful. However, we’ll need to have a solid understanding of how the accident and subsequent injury has impacted your daily life, including your work, family responsibilities, mental health, and overall well-being.
This information can go a long way toward helping the Fort Myers personal injury lawyer know whether you have a strong case, and also estimate the potential value of it.
What Should I Bring to a Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer Consultation?
It’s Ok if you don’t have every single piece of key information gathered yet, especially if the incident was pretty recent. However, bringing as much documentation as possible can help ensure that your Fort Myers personal injury lawyer consultation is productive.
Some of the evidence we tend to find fairly helpful at the outset:
- Accident reports, including police reports, incident reports, or any other official documentation.
- Medical records, including copies of diagnoses, treatment plans, hospital bills, doctor’s notes, etc.
- Insurance information, such as your insurance card and a copy of your insurance policy, if you have it. Also bring notes or records of any correspondence you’ve had thus far with any insurers.
- Photos and videos – any visual evidence of the accident scene, your injuries, or any damaged property can be helpful.
- Witness information, such as names and numbers and/or addresses of any individuals who saw the accident or has information that could be helpful, should be brought to this initial meeting.
- Employment records – specifically here we’re looking for proof of missed work or lost wages.
Again, if you don’t have these things yet, don’t worry. A Fort Myers personal injury lawyer can work to help you gather evidence if they decide to take on your case.
You may also want to come prepared with questions of your own. Specifically, consider asking about:
- Experience. Has the attorney ever handled cases similar to yours? What were the outcomes?
- Fees. Ask about how the contingency fee structure works, and whether there are any upfront costs about which you should be aware.
- Communication. Inquire about who would be your primary point of contact, and ask how often you should expect to receive updates on your case.
- Case timeline. Although no attorney has a crystal ball to give you an exact answer, they should be able to give you a ballpark estimate about how long your case is likely to take to resolve.
- Trial experience. If the case doesn’t settle, is the attorney prepared to take the case to trial? (Not all personal injury lawyers have civil trial experience like those at Garvin Injury Law.)
Sometimes we’re asked whether a prospective client should bring someone. We find that a trusted friend or family member can be helpful, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed and in need of some emotional support as you’re discussing what happened. It can also be a good idea for someone with you to take notes and help you ask questions. If the person witnessed the accident, they may also be able to provide us some additional details. All of this can help you, the prospective client, make more informed decisions.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
We understand this first meeting can feel a bit intimidating. It’s the first step toward working to secure the compensation and accountability you deserve. By knowing what to expect and coming prepared, you help set the foundation for a successful claim. We’ll work to do all we can on your end to make it as painless – and productive – as possible.
If you have been injured in Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, Cape Coral, Naples, or Key West, contact Garvin Injury Law at 800.977.7017 for a free consultation.
Additional Resources:
How to Hire a Lawyer, The Florida Bar
More Blog Entries:
The Risk of Rushing to Settle Your Naples Personal Injury, July 16, 2024, Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer Blog