important things to bring up when speaking to an attorney after an auto accident

by Dr. Carleton Metz PhD 4 min read

If you are involved in a car wreck, here are the items that you should bring if available when you go to meet with an attorney: Photos of the vehicles if you have them Case ID or report number

What Information Should I Bring to My First Consultation with a Car Accident Attorney?
  • Photos of the vehicles if you have them.
  • Case ID or report number.
  • Police Department that investigated the crash.
  • Other driver's license and insurance information.
  • Other driver's license plate number.

Full Answer

How do I get a lawyer for a Long Beach car accident?

Jun 09, 2020 · The more detail you can provide and the more proof you have to back up your claims, the stronger the case or defense your attorney may be able to make for you. Important things to bring to the meeting include: Photos of the scene of the accident, your car, and the other cars involved in the collision

Should I accept a car accident settlement offer?

Jul 08, 2019 · Here are three reasons you should hire an attorney after an auto accident. Prove Your Claim In order to get full compensation for your auto accident, you will need to be able to prove that you were not at fault, who was at fault, and how the accident happened.

Should I take my car accident claim to trial?

Taking the Right Actions After a Car Accident. Now that you understand more about why you should contact an attorney after a car accident, you can see why it makes sense. Before you go and call an attorney, why not check out some of our other articles. We have other articles on legal issues and more.

Can I get back to work after a car accident?

In the hours after a car accident, or any kind of incident that causes you injury, your phone might start ringing, and the caller may well be an insurance adjuster or another representative of the other person involved involved in the accident. Let's look at what you should say (and what you should avoid discussing) during your first post-accident phone call with a representative of the …

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What questions should I ask a lawyer about a car accident?

12 questions to ask a lawyer after a car accidentWhat should I do after my auto accident? ... What steps should I take to protect my car accident case? ... What deadlines do I need to meet? ... How long will my case take? ... What damages can I recover? ... Will you help me recover future medical expenses? ... Will my case go to trial?More items...•May 26, 2021

What should I ask for after an accident?

According to the III, here's the most important information drivers should exchange after an accident:Full name and contact information.Insurance company and policy number.Driver's license and license plate number.Type, color and model of vehicle.Location of accident.

What do you say to an attorney?

0:261:20What To Say When You Call An Attorney - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKnow kind of ballpark. Terms where you're coming from. And then you can elaborate on your specific.MoreKnow kind of ballpark. Terms where you're coming from. And then you can elaborate on your specific. Situation. And when you keep it simple in the beginning it really does make it easier.

What should you not say after a car accident?

Don't say “I'm sorry” DON'T! A simple “I'm sorry” can be used to show that you admitted guilt and responsibility for the accident. Even if you mean “I'm sorry you're late for work” or “I'm sorry you are hurt” – try to avoid using the words “I'm sorry”.

What is the first thing you should do if you are involved in an accident?

The following is a list of the top ten things you should do if you are in an automobile accident:STOP. Never drive away from the scene of an accident, even a minor one.PROTECT THE SCENE. ... CALL THE POLICE. ... MAKE AN ACCURATE RECORD. ... TAKE PICTURES. ... EXCHANGE INFORMATION. ... REPORT THE ACCIDENT. ... SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.More items...

How do you make someone feel better after a car accident?

Here are some of the best things to say.“I'm Glad You're Okay” Car accidents are not easy for anyone involved. ... “I'm Here For You if You Need Anything” ... “How Are You Feeling?” ... “What Can I Do for You?” ... “Don't Be So Upset. ... “You Should [Insert Advice]”

How often should I hear from my attorney?

You should never be afraid or feel like an intrusion to contact your attorney every three weeks or so, or more frequently if there is a lot going on with your health or other matters related to your legal case. There is of course a limit to how much you should be contacting or sharing.Jun 17, 2020

How can I communicate with my lawyer?

Stay informed about your case.Take notes if you talk to your lawyer in person or over the telephone. Store your notes in the same place. ... Always review your notes before contacting your attorney. The answer to your question may be in your notes.Your lawyer should also send you copies of documents filed in your case.

How do you talk like a lawyer?

8:4911:16How to Speak like a Veteran Lawyer in 11 minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo when you speak and it's very hard to explain empathy and non verbals. But you're going to useMoreSo when you speak and it's very hard to explain empathy and non verbals. But you're going to use very soft friendly. Body language tonality and eye contact.

What should you not say when making an insurance claim?

Never say that you are sorry or admit any kind of fault. Remember that a claims adjuster is looking for reasons to reduce the liability of an insurance company, and any admission of negligence can seriously compromise a claim.

How do you console a victim of an accident?

Cheerful or Encouraging Messages to Send Someone Who's Been in a Car Accident“I'm so glad you're okay! ... “I'm so sorry about your accident. ... “You're looking great! ... “It's so good to see you up and walking around. ... “All of us in the office are rooting for you. ... “You are the bravest person I know.More items...•Nov 11, 2021

Do you have to call the police after an accident?

You must report the collision to the police if you were unable to exchange details at the scene, if anyone was injured, or if you suspect that the other person may have committed a driving offence.

What to ask a lawyer about a car accident?

When you meet with a lawyer, the first question you should ask is if you have a case. The attorney will listen to your account of the car accident and review the police report, as well as your medical records, to get a better idea of whether you have a case against the “at-fault” driver. To recover damages, your attorney will need ...

Can an attorney negotiate a settlement with insurance?

Even if you do not wish to file a lawsuit, an attorney can negotiate a better settlement with the insurance company so you receive the money you need to recover. Unfortunately, choosing the right car accident lawyer isn’t always easy. To make the process easier, there are several questions you should ask every attorney before you ultimately choose ...

What happens if you can't settle your insurance claim?

If you are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance company and your case proceeds to trial, it will take longer for you to receive your money. However, your lawyer will go over all of your legal options with you, so you can make plans for how you will handle bills and expenses while your case is pending.

How much do car accident lawyers charge?

Contingent fee lawyers usually charge a percentage of the total settlement, which can be as much as 40 percent or more.

Where is McDivitt Law Firm located?

At McDivitt Law Firm, we have offices conveniently located throughout Greater Colorado in Downtown Colorado Springs, North Colorado Springs, Denver, Aurora, and Pueblo, and our attorneys are ready to assist you at a moment’s notice. After a car accident, know that you are not alone. We offer f ree consultations, so you can better understand your rights and options. Call us today!

Can an attorney review an accident?

Plus there are situations when you may only have a small window to file a claim, such as when you are involved in an accident with a government entity. Your attorney should be able to review your accident and inform you of any and all deadlines.

What To Bring to a Meeting With a Car Accident Attorney

There’s no such thing as too much documentation when you go to see your attorney after a car accident. The more detail you can provide and the more proof you have to back up your claims, the stronger the case or defense your attorney may be able to make for you.

What to Expect During a Meeting With a Car Accident Attorney

Your attorney will go through all the documentation you brought and ask you to explain what you can remember about the accident. Don’t worry about knowing what to say, your lawyer will ask you follow-up questions, or will instruct you on how to find more information if necessary.

Speak with an experienced Auto Accident Attorney Today

Injuries cost money, including time away from work, medical bills, and other complications. Before taking legal action or trying to negotiate a settlement on your own, you should talk to an attorney about your case. You can search LawInfo’s legal directory to find a local auto accident attorney to discuss the merits of your case.

Get Expert Advice

When you talk to a car accident attorney, you can get expert advice that will help you as you’re making decisions on how to proceed with your case.

Save Time

If you are trying to recover from an injury, make money to survive and you’re trying to put your case together, it is going to be hard for you to get any of those things done.

Have an Expert Negotiator On Your Side

Once you file your case, the other side might offer you a settlement deal. They don’t want to go to court so they are willing to offer you something so you will go away.

Taking the Right Actions After a Car Accident

Now that you understand more about why you should contact an attorney after a car accident, you can see why it makes sense. Before you go and call an attorney, why not check out some of our other articles.

What happens after a car accident?

In the hours after a car accident, or any kind of incident that causes you injury, your phone might start ringing, and the caller may well be an insurance adjuster or another representative of the other person involved involved in the accident. Let's look at what you should say (and what you should avoid discussing) during your first post-accident ...

Can you get a fair settlement from an insurance adjuster?

Although you may still be angry about the accident and your injuries, taking out your anger on the insurance adjuster won't help you get a fair personal injury settlement. You may not know exactly how or when an insurance adjuster's good will may pay off—in promptly handling your claim, or in believing your version of an issue that's difficult to prove—so it's always best to keep your cool and stay professional.

What do insurance adjusters do?

Insurance adjusters or other representatives may try to get you to "give a statement"" about how the accident happened. Or they may simply engage you in conversation during which they will subtly try to get you to tell them about the accident.

Do insurance adjusters offer settlements?

Insurance adjusters sometimes offer a settlement during the first one or two phone calls. Quick settlements like that save the insurance company work. More important, they get you to settle for a small amount before you fully understand what your injuries are and how much your personal injury claim is worth.

What to do when you first contact an insurance adjuster?

In your first contact with an insurance adjuster, make it clear that you will not be discussing much on the phone. Not only should you give very limited information in this first phone call, as discussed above, but you should also set clear limits on any further phone contact.

Can an adjuster record a phone conversation?

Many claims adjusters immediately push you to give a tape-recorded statement, or casually ask if they may record your phone conversation, claiming it will protect you later. Do not agree to have any conversation recorded. You have no legal obligation to be recorded, and it is against the law for an adjuster to record you without your permission.

What to talk to after a car crash?

After a car crash, you’ll talk to a lot of people: the police, the other driver, witnesses, and your insurance company. Many people will have questions, and you will likely do your best to answer them.

Can you get money back after a car accident?

After a car accident, many injury victims have the right to recover money damages for their losses, which can be extensive. However, this recovery does not happen automatically, and victims need to do certain things to seek the compensation they deserve. Failing to take certain steps or saying the wrong things can put a car accident claim in jeopardy, often leaving injury victims with less than they deserve or, possibly, with no compensation at all.

Is it normal to feel sore after a car crash?

Think your injuries from a car crash aren’t that bad? A lot of accident victims do—and by the time they realize that they really are hurt, it’s too late. Many people think it is “normal” to feel sore, stiff, or disoriented after a car wreck. While you might disregard such sensations, they could be the signs of a serious injury.

Is it good to settle a case early?

But the reality is that settling your case too early is only good for the insurance company.

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