If the idea of consulting with a car accident injury lawyer in San Antonio makes you nervous, you aren’t alone. Most people feel uncertain before their first meeting with a lawyer because they don’t know what to expect. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
What to Do at Your First Meeting With a San Antonio Car Accident Injury Lawyer
While your first meeting is an opportunity for you and your lawyer to get to know one another and see if you want to work together, you’ll still want to arrive ready to discuss the critical elements of your case. By going over the details of your situation, the lawyer you are meeting with will be able to determine the strength of your case and if it is a good fit for their expertise.
If you and the lawyer both decide to work together, you’ll want to be able to dive deeper into the details of your case on the spot. To make the most of this appointment, you’ll want to come prepared with the following things:
Questions to Gauge Compatibility
Since you’ll be interacting with your lawyer throughout the duration of your case, the car accident injury lawyer you choose to work with must have a personality that works well with yours. If you hire a lawyer whose manner you find off-putting or intimidating, it will only make filing your injury claim more stressful. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure the lawyer you choose is someone you can communicate with effectively.
If you are multilingual but have a preferred language, you’ll want to find a lawyer who speaks it fluently. If you’re having difficulty finding a lawyer who speaks your preferred language, be sure you’re tailoring your internet search to match your needs. For example, if you are trying to find an attorney fluent in Spanish, you would want to search “abogado de accidente de auto en San Antonio” to ensure you find the lawyer you need.
Questions to Gauge Experience
You’ll also want to ensure that the lawyer you’re working with has experience handling cases like yours and a proven track record of success. So when you’re making a list of questions to ask, you’ll want to include the following:
How Many Cases Have You Completed?
Even though every lawyer needs to start somewhere, you want to trust your personal injury case to an experienced lawyer. You’ll also want to ask a follow-up question regarding how many cases they’ve had reach trial and the outcomes. If your case ends up before a judge, you want to know that the attorney representing your interests will be able to present your case competently in court.
How Have You Handled Cases With Similar Circumstances to Mine?
Although many attorneys may take on a wide range of cases, you’ll want to choose a lawyer specializing in personal injury and car accident claims. Not only will they be able to foresee potential issues due to their experience, but they’ll also be familiar with the nuances of personal injury law.
Will You Handle My Case Directly?
Some firms will assign cases to junior attorneys and case managers. While these individuals have the qualifications to handle cases, some clients may feel uncomfortable having them complete the legwork of their claim. If that’s a concern for you, you’ll need to ask how much of the work relating to your case your lawyer will delegate. Since this practice is widespread, you’ll want to ask this question early on if it is a dealbreaker for you.
Do You See Potential Challenges With the Case?
Experienced lawyers will be able to pick out potential problems with your claim. The insurance company’s representative will be doing everything possible to keep from having to compensate you for your injuries. You want to find and address any issues before they have a chance to derail your case. Identifying your case’s weak areas is critical to successfully navigating the claim process.
Do You Have References I Can Contact?
Quality lawyers will have a reputation that speaks for itself. Asking for references allows you to contact previous clients and ask if they were happy with the legal help they received. If you’re on the fence regarding whether an attorney is right for your case, hearing from others who have used their service can help you decide.
What Fees Will I be Responsible For If My Case Is Unsuccessful?
If your lawyer is working on a contingency basis, which means they are paid from the settlement, you’ll want to ask what fees you’ll be responsible for if things don’t go your way. It’s normal for the client to be accountable for the legal fees accrued during a case, but you’ll want to know what you’ll need to pay since each attorney will have different policies.
All Documents Regarding Your Case
The only way your attorney can estimate the potential of your case being successful is if you provide them with accurate and comprehensive information. That means they will need the police report from the accident, medical bills, copies of MRIs or x-rays, and car repair bills.
Evidence such as photographs of the accident and eyewitness statements will also bolster your claim. Although your lawyer will dig deeper into your circumstances, providing them with all the information you have at the first meeting will give them a headstart tackling your claim.
By preparing a game plan before you meet with your attorney, you can ensure you choose the right lawyer and begin seeking justice for the wrongs committed against you. Then, with a skilled lawyer on your side, you can feel confident filing your claim and pursuing compensation.