A car accident will likely put you through injuries, repairs of your car, insurance company calls and even unexpected costs. If you have never met with a personal injury lawyer before, preparing for your first consultation may sound like yet another hassle.
You may wonder what kind of information and documents you need to have – accident reports, medical records, insurance documents, photos or something else. Also, you may be afraid to lose important documents or not know how to describe the accident.
Fortunately, you do not need to have all of the necessary information and documents before scheduling your car accident consultation.
If you meet with a car accident lawyer in Texas, bring to him or her accident reports, photos, medical records, insurance documents, information about witnesses and missed work or other losses that you may have. You may also prepare a short summary of the accident and a list of questions.
For first-time accident claimants, the aim of the preparation for the car accident consultation is not to have everything perfect. It is to provide the attorney with enough information to start figuring out what happened and what other documents are necessary.
Here is what you should gather for your consultation with a Texas car accident lawyer.
1. Basic Information About the Accident
First, gather information you remember about the accident. You do not need to write a statement and to determine who was legally responsible.
A simple short description can help you to explain what happened without being under pressure during the consultation.
You should try to gather:
- Date and time of the accident.
- Place where the accident occurred.
- Your direction of movement.
- Road and weather conditions (if applicable).
- Information about cars and their drivers that were involved.
- Information about what happened just before and after the accident.
- Was the police or the ambulance called?
- Names and contact information of the witnesses you know.
If you are not sure about any information, it is better not to guess, but to note it.
Your attorney may need some additional questions to understand what happened and what other evidence should be gathered.
2. Police Reports, Photographs, and Other Accident Evidence
If you have a police report, you can bring it, the number of this report or other information related to this report.
You may also gather photographs or videos taken after the accident.
Examples of Accident Evidence to Bring
Useful materials may include:
- Photos of the damages of your car.
- Photos of the accident scene.
- Photos of traffic lights, road signs or other road conditions.
- Videos from the dashcam or surveillance cameras near the place of the accident (if applicable).
- Photos of your injuries.
- Contact information of witnesses.
- Tow truck or vehicle recovery receipts.
- Vehicle repair estimates.
You do not need to determine what photos are legally important. Just save everything you have.
Also, if you think that a nearby business or a traffic camera or any other car may have captured the accident, you should tell this information to your attorney. These videos may disappear over time, depending on the type of the recording and its storage.
3. Medical Records and Information About Your Injuries
Your health and recovery should be your priorities after the accident.
Gathering medical documents can help to understand what injuries you have, what medical treatment you have received and how it affects your life.
Medical Documents You May Want to Gather
If available, consider bringing:
- Documents from the hospital where you were treated.
- Documents from urgent care center.
- Medical bills and payment statements.
- Results of imaging or other diagnostic tests.
- Prescription information.
- Information about physical therapy sessions.
- Information about specialist appointments.
- Information about follow-up treatment.
- Medical work restrictions (if applicable).
Also, you may prepare a short summary of your symptoms.
For example, you can indicate when you felt pain for the first time, how your symptoms have changed over time and whether your injuries affect your work, sleep, driving and performing other daily tasks.
Even if you did not receive all necessary medical treatment yet, it is fine.
Just let your attorney know that your medical treatment is still ongoing.
You should not postpone the treatment just for collecting the necessary documents.
4. Insurance Information and Communications
Insurance documents can be complicated, especially if several insurance companies are involved.
You should gather all information about the insurance policies and claims related to the accident.
Insurance Documents to Bring to Your Consultation
This may include:
- Documents about your auto insurance policy.
- Documents about the other driver’s insurance (if applicable).
- Numbers of the claims related to the accident.
- Information about insurance adjusters (if applicable).
- Communication between you and the insurance companies (if applicable).
- Requests for recorded statements.
- Settlement offers (if applicable).
- Written claim decisions or denials (if applicable).
- Information about personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage (if applicable).
Also, if you had any communication with the insurance adjuster, you should tell them about it and whether you gave your statement or you had any settlement documents.
Do not think that you need to understand everything about insurance policies before meeting with an attorney.
Your attorney will review the information and may have some questions regarding insurance coverage, claims and recovering.
5. Information About Missed Work and Financial Losses
A car accident may have not only physical consequences, but also financial. Some accident victims may have missed work or other financial losses related to the accident.
If you have experienced some work and financial losses, you can gather some documents that may help to explain your situation.
Examples of Financial Records to Gather
Examples include:
- Pay stubs.
- Letters from your employer regarding the lost work time.
- Information about your absence from work.
- Information about reduction of work hours.
- Medical work restrictions (if applicable).
- Information about your business income, if you are self-employed.
- Some other receipts related to the accident.
You do not need to calculate the value of your claim before consulting with the attorney.
All you need to do is to explain how the accident affected your work and finances. The attorney will determine what other documentation may be necessary.
6. Information About Previous Injuries or Medical Conditions
It may be embarrassing for you to talk about your previous injuries or medical treatment, especially if they are related to the body part that is injured in the accident.
However, it is important to provide the attorney with an accurate account of your medical history.
You should indicate:
- Previous injuries that involve the same body part.
- Previous accidents.
- Previous medical conditions that are relevant to your current symptoms.
- Medical treatment before the accident.
- Development of new medical conditions after the accident.
This does not mean that you automatically have no legal claim.
This information helps the attorney to understand your medical history, possible questions about causation and medical documentation.
Do not hide anything that may seem unfavorable. It is much easier to evaluate your circumstances, if you have a complete picture.
7. A List of Questions You Want to Ask
Consultation with an attorney is also your opportunity to understand the legal process and to determine whether this attorney is someone whom you want to work with.
In the moment of stress, you can forget to ask something during the consultation.
Questions to Ask During Your First Car Accident Consultation
Consider writing down questions such as:
- What information do you still need to evaluate my situation?
- What will happen after our first consultation?
- Who will handle my case?
- How does the communication and updates work?
- What should I do if the insurance adjuster calls me again?
- What will happen if I am still undergoing my medical treatment?
- What costs and expenses will be involved in your representation?
- Do I have any time deadlines that I should be aware of?
You should always ask for an explanation of something that you do not understand. You are not supposed to know the legal language or terms of insurance policy before meeting with the attorney.
What If You Do Not Have All the Documents?
One of the most common concerns for first-time accident claimants is lack of information.
Perhaps, you cannot find your accident report. Or the hospital still does not send you your medical records or the insurance company did not respond yet.
But it does not mean that you should postpone your consultation.
Start with the information you have.
You can provide the date and place of the accident, the description of what happened, names of medical providers that have treated you and your insurance information that you already have.
Then the attorney will discuss with you what other documents you may need and what steps you may take to preserve the evidence.
In some cases, postponing the consultation may create unnecessary problems.
What Happens During a Car Accident Consultation?
During the consultation, you will be able to explain the accident, to describe your injuries and to ask about your legal options.
Depending on the available information, the attorney may want to know:
- How did the accident happen?
- Is anyone else (other drivers or other parties) responsible for the accident?
- What injuries and medical treatment have you undergone?
- Which insurance policies are involved?
- Do you have financial losses related to the accident?
- What information is necessary to evaluate the matter.
Not every accident results in a personal injury claim.
All factors (information about the accident, evidence, laws and circumstances of your injuries) matter.
It is the moment when you can discuss these factors, but not get the specific legal outcome.
Preparing to Speak With a Texas Car Accident Lawyer
You do not need a complete folder with all necessary documents before scheduling your consultation.
Just prepare the basic timeline of the accident, gather the documents you already have, note your medical treatment and write down your questions.
The most important thing is to tell the truth, even if you are uncertain or embarrassed.
It is the moment when the attorney is going to understand your situation and to discuss the legal options based on this information.
If you were injured in a collision and have some questions about your legal options, you can contact The Cain Firm to schedule your consultation. The firm can explain to you the circumstances of your accident and the further steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Consultations
What should I bring to my first car accident lawyer consultation?
You can bring accident reports, photos, medical records, insurance information, correspondence, information about witnesses and records of the missed work or expenses that you have. You can also prepare a brief description of the accident and a list of questions. You do not need to have everything before scheduling a consultation.
Do I need a police report to speak with a car accident attorney?
No. A police report may help in your case, but you can discuss your accident with an attorney if you do not have the report. You can bring the report number or the name of the responding law enforcement agency.
Should I bring medical records if I am still receiving treatment?
Yes, you should bring the medical records and bills that you have. Also, you can mention names of your healthcare providers and whether you have any ongoing treatment or appointments. You do not need to wait until your treatment is completed to meet with an attorney.
What if the insurance company has already contacted me?
You should bring letters, emails, text messages, settlement proposals or any other communications. You should tell whether you have provided a statement or signed some documents. The attorney will review the information and will discuss potential concerns in this regard.
Should I tell the attorney about a previous injury?
Yes, you should. You should provide an accurate account of your previous injuries and medical treatment. This information may be important to evaluate your current symptoms and medical records.
Can I have a car accident consultation without knowing who was at fault?
Yes, you do not need to make a legal determination about liability before meeting with the attorney. You can explain what happened, what evidence you have and the attorney will analyze the circumstances.
What if I do not have all the information requested?
Bring what you have and explain what is missing. An attorney can discuss which additional records may be necessary and how they may be obtained.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and every case is different. For advice about your specific circumstances, please consult a licensed Texas attorney.
