The first meeting with a personal injury lawyer is a crucial step toward obtaining compensation for your injuries. During this initial consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to share your story, ask questions, and determine if the attorney is the right fit for your case. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, making this an opportunity to evaluate your legal options without financial commitment.
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we understand meeting with an attorney may seem intimidating, especially when you’re already dealing with injuries and medical treatments. Our attorneys strive to make your first consultation comfortable, informative, and productive. We’ll carefully listen to your situation and provide clear guidance on potential legal pathways available to you.
Preparing for Your Consultation
Before meeting with a personal injury lawyer, gathering relevant information and documents will help make your consultation more productive. This preparation allows the attorney to better understand your case and provide more accurate initial feedback.
Important Documents to Bring
Consider bringing these items to your first consultation:
- Medical records related to your injury, including diagnosis documents, treatment plans, and bills
- Accident or incident reports filed with police, employers, or property owners
- Auto Insurance information, including your policy and any communications from insurance companies
- Health Insurance Card(s)
- Driver License
- Photographs of your injuries, the accident scene, and property damage
- Pay stubs or other evidence of lost wages if you’ve missed work
- Notes about the accident, including dates, times, and descriptions of what happened
These documents help your attorney understand the circumstances of your accident and begin assessing the strength of your case. Don’t worry if you don’t have all these items—your lawyer can help you gather any missing documentation after your initial meeting.
What Happens During the Consultation
The initial meeting typically follows a structured format, though each attorney may have their own approach to consultations. Understanding this process can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
Case Evaluation
During your consultation, the attorney will ask you detailed questions about your accident and injuries. This is your opportunity to tell your story completely and honestly.
Some topics your lawyer may discuss include:
- The circumstances surrounding your accident
- The extent of your injuries and medical treatments
- How the injury has impacted your life, work, and relationships
- Any communications you’ve had with insurance companies
- Whether you’ve given any recorded statements
- If you’ve signed any documents related to the accident
Be prepared to answer questions thoroughly, as your attorney needs a comprehensive understanding of your situation to properly evaluate your case. Remember, everything you share is protected by attorney-client privilege, even if you ultimately don’t hire the lawyer.
Legal Strategy Discussion
After evaluating your case, the attorney will explain potential legal strategies and options available to you. This typically includes:
- An assessment of liability in your case
- Potential compensation you may be entitled to receive
- The timeline for pursuing your claim
- The likelihood of settling versus going to trial
- Pennsylvania laws relevant to your specific situation
The attorney should explain complex legal concepts in terms you can understand and answer any questions you have about the process. This discussion helps you gain clarity on what to expect as your case progresses.
Fee Structure Explanation
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only collect payment if they secure compensation for you. During your consultation, the lawyer should clearly explain:
- The percentage they charge as their fee
- How case expenses are handled
- Any other financial arrangements relevant to your representation
Understanding the fee structure ensures there are no surprises later and helps you make an informed decision about moving forward.
After the Consultation
Following your initial meeting, you’ll need to decide whether to hire the attorney. There’s no obligation to make this decision immediately after the consultation—take time to reflect on the meeting and consider whether the lawyer is the right fit for your needs.
If you decide to move forward, the attorney will prepare representation agreements for you to sign. These documents formalize the attorney-client relationship and authorize the lawyer to act on your behalf.
Once retained, your attorney will begin the process of:
- Investigating your accident
- Gathering evidence
- Consulting with experts
- Communicating with insurance companies
- Building your case for maximum compensation
Contact Our Talented Legal Team
If you’ve suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. are here to help. With over 65 years of legal experience serving clients throughout Montgomery County and Bucks County, our firm has the resources and dedication needed to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys prioritize client communication and will guide you through every step of the legal process with compassion and skill. We handle all personal injury matters on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact us today at (215) 822-7575 or through our contact form to schedule your free consultation.
