Car Accident step by step process Part 10: Hiring an Attrorney

You have narrowed you search down to one or a few Attorneys...what next?
Most initial consultations with a Personal Injury Attorney are FREE. (I say most because you can never say all unless you have called every single one of them).  You get the one opportunity to make that free consultation work for you so here are some tips to make it better for both of you.

1. Make an appointment:  Even if their yellow page ad, website or your friend who recommended them to you say "walk in's welcome" MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!  You want their attention on YOU not the work they had to put aside to meet with you.  Another good reason to make an appointment is you want to make sure the Attorney is in the office and available at the time.  
2. Take all your paperwork with you to your appointment.  Remember it is what the FACTS of the case is not what your opinion is.  You will save yourself and your Attorney a lot of time if you have the FACTS with you in the initial consultation.  Depending on when you meet with them (the sooner the better) will determine what paperwork you will need.  Police reports, Doctors visit evaluations, witness names and contact, etc.  
3. Pictures if you took them.  There is nothing better than pictures of the accident.  (For those who are reading this please remember this:  if you are in an accident TAKE PICTURES.) Pictures of the accident, the surroundings, license plate, person, etc. are highly useful.
4. Insurance Information.  Yours and the other party's information is essential and any conversations you may have had with either company.  Document, Document, Document!!

You are in front of the Attorney.  Although you are also interviewing them let them direct the interview. If they want to ask questions first, answer. If they want to review your documents first, stay quiet while they review them.  DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT ask them what your case is worth as there is no way in this initial consultation that they could know the answer. 

It is okay, and I highly recommend this, to ask them about their experience.  I have said this before and I'm going to say this again....the bigger "commercial" Attorneys will have more "experience" but remember that experience isn't personal.  Find the Attorney who makes your case PERSONAL!!

If you haven't read the blog on what to tell your Personal Injury Attorney please click HERE to read.

If the Attorney decides to take your case and you decide to hire this Attorney a contingency fee agreement will be entered into at this time.  This is your contract with the Attorney keep it in a safe place.

First impressions are very important.  Make yours COUNT!!

Now you have decided on who you want to hire....what do you tell them?

Everything!  I could end this here but I will go on to explain:

Don't "hide" anything from your Attorney.  What they don't know can come back and hurt you.

1. Previous injuries:  You may not think it is important to tell your Attorney that you were in a car accident 10 years ago because your injuries are healed BUT if they are not aware of your past injuries than they can't fight the insurance companies when they tell them that your current injuries are pre-existing and aren't covered....and trust me the insurance companies will try.  Forewarned is forearmed.  
2. Injuries since the accident:  If you are injured after your car accident you do not want that to cause problems for your current case.  Let your Attorney know of all injuries you sustain after the car accident so they can be prepared.
3. How's your marriage?  Are you divorced or getting divorced?  If you were married at the time of the accident your spouse may be entitled to compensation and your Attorney needs to know this.
4. Bills, Bills and more Bills:  They are a headache without a car accident and get even worse afterwards because you may have medical bills and may not be able to work.  If you have filed bankruptcy or thinking of filing tell your Attorney as your settlement could become part of your estate and your settlement could go to your creditors.
5. Criminal History:  You may not think it is important that your Attorney knows you got a DUI seven years ago but the Insurance Company's Attorney will think it is important.  Most Criminal History will have no relevance to your case but you do not want your Attorney to be "surprised" by what is discovered.

Information is provided by Zeisler and Associates, Attorneys at Law, PC and is not to be construed as legal advice but for informational purposes only.

In order for Insurance Companies to avoid paying you...they have to find reasons not to.  Don't let any of those reasons be something that could have been avoided had you been honest and forthcoming with your Attorney.  And, don't think that your history cannot be discovered because to avoid paying our settlements Insurance Companies DO THEIR RESEARCH!!  Don't let your Attorney get caught by surprised. 

One very important warning:  If an Attorney says they can't represent you because of xyz, do not leave xyz out when meeting with other Attorneys.  XYZ may be something that the first Attorney is not experienced in fighting where another one is.  EVERYTHING about you is important for the Attorney to know.  I have said this before but it is worth repeating.  Don't hide anything from your Attorney.  They are there to FIGHT for you, you just need to provide them with all the ammunition that can be used against you.

Like Zeisler & Associates, Attorney at Law, PC on Facebook or visit their website.

Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)

Colorado Springs Office:  422 E. Vermijo Ave., Suite 412 (Map it)

The information provided here is not to be construed as legal advice.  Please consult an Attorney if you have any questions.