It’s Critical to Obtain an Initial Cost-Free Personal Injury Consultation to Explore Your Legal Rights and Options and Become Aware of the Steps to Come
If you have sustained injuries from an accident because of the negligence of a business, person, company, or motorist, making important decisions about the next step can be confusing. You should contact a personal injury lawyer to seek damages on your behalf, such as medical expenses and lost wages. Knowing how to file a claim and what evidence to include can be complex. Your best bet is to look for a personal injury attorney to represent you, protect your rights, and skillfully advocate for your interests throughout the legal process.
It all begins with an initial consultation. This is your opportunity to meet with a lawyer and determine if they are a good fit for your case. At this appointment, you will give the lawyer a summary of your complaint, including details about the damages you seek and your expectations regarding an award. The lawyer will ask some questions to gather additional information regarding your case, provide a general assessment of your case, and offer feasible outcomes.
Personal Injury Consultation as the First Step on the Road to Recovery in New Jersey
Staying objective when an accident causes pain and stress is hard. Experiencing trauma makes it nearly impossible to remain emotionally distanced from the accident. A personal injury attorney can offer legal knowledge and an objective outlook.
Attorney-client privilege is in full force even during the first consultation. Everything you tell your potential attorney is privileged information that cannot be divulged under any circumstances.
The legal advice you will be given during the consultation is free. Whether or not you hire the attorney with whom you are meeting, there is no fee. Also, you will be told if you have a case for seeking damages. This could save you time and money chasing after something that may not result positively.
Lastly, you are not obligated to hire the attorney you meet with. It is entirely possible that you may not click with some people, which is OK. It is of the utmost importance that you find a good match and someone you can trust. You also want to meet with someone who will be personally handling your case, as larger firms sometimes lose sight of your case in the shuffle of files and the many lawyers and employees on staff.
What is the Initial Personal Injury Consultation About?
You will be asked to explain when, where, and how the accident happened and the results therein. The personal injury lawyer will ask detailed questions to substantiate whether the case merits moving forward. The strengths and weaknesses of the case will be examined and discussed. You should provide all pertinent documents and pictures related to the case to facilitate the attorney’s review of the facts. The attorney will also talk about potential damages that can be sought and the available strategies for doing so. They will explain what to expect during the legal process and how the retainer and fee structure works. Usually, personal injury cases are on a contingency basis, which will be discussed later. Also, this consultation will serve as an interview of sorts for both parties, determining if working together is feasible.
Common Information Shared in an Attorney/Client Consultation
You should provide as much information as possible about your accident and subsequent injuries. You need to talk about your medical treatment and its results. Also, share the material, physical, and emotional damage you have suffered or continue to suffer. The level of impact the accident has had on you could determine the outcome, so don’t hold back.
Explaining What Happened in Your Accident? The More Specific, the Better
You should take some time to think about the accident in detail and list everything that happened. Include medical treatment, improvements, or declines in your condition during the trajectory of your healing process. You will be asked if you contributed in any way to the accident, such as acting recklessly or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You will also be asked about your prior medical history.
Key Questions to Ask Your Potential Personal Injury Attorney
The first consultation is the time to ask the attorney the questions you want to know to make the best choice. Knowing how many years they have been practicing law and where, is suitable. You need to know their background and experience. You should ask them how successful they have been in cases like yours. Will they handle your case directly, or will a paralegal or an associate attorney do most of the work? There is nothing wrong with requesting a broad timetable for your case and whether it will go to trial. Knowing a general game plan and what they would do if specific problems arose is essential. How comfortable are they at trial? You will also want to know how much they believe your case is worth. Ask your attorney about the most significant case they have handled and what they learned from the experience. Lastly, discuss approximately how much they will charge and if they work on a contingency basis.
What Kind of Questions Should I Anticipate Answering?
Your potential personal injury attorney will ask you about your life before the accident. They will ask about your work, hobbies, what you did in your spare time, and how things have changed since the accident. They will want to know every detail about what happened and how you were injured: when did the accident happen, when did you see a doctor, did your symptoms begin immediately or after a few days? The more details you can give, the better idea they will have as to how they will handle your case. If you have been offered a settlement by the insurance company, that should also be mentioned. You should also discuss any pre-existing conditions or mental health issues.
Essential Documentation You’ll Need for Your Personal Injury Consultation
Anything relevant to the case can and should be brought with you. If there was a police report, that is a good start. Medical records, diagnosis, prognosis, x-rays, ultrasounds, or other imaging results should be included. You should have the names and contact information of witnesses and your doctors. Income statements, property loss, medical bills, and treatment costs are important. Photos of the accident and the injuries you sustained are helpful.
Will I Get A Final Quote on My Consultation?
It is impossible to get a solid estimate of the cost of a case. Expert witnesses, court filings, discovery and deposition costs, plus all of the hours put in by your attorney, make an estimate difficult. Knowing the general structure of payments and if you will not be required to front the costs of your accident claim unless and until the attorney wins is important.
Nothing to Lose with a Contingency Fee Structure
The contingency basis model is an agreement between the client and the attorney in which the attorney is paid a portion of the damages awarded to the client. In New Jersey, the attorney is paid no more than 33% on the first $750,000, 25% on the next $750,000, and 20% on anything further. This agreement is beneficial to the attorney because if the case is settled, they receive a portion of the settlement award, and it benefits the client because if the case is lost, they don’t have to pay.
Set Up an Initial Consultation with our Trusted NJ Personal Injury Lawyers Today
It is hard to know who to trust these days. It seems as though everyone is only out for themselves. The lawyers at our personal injury firm are passionate about helping our clients become whole again. We will use our knowledge, dedication, and experience to build a solid case and protect your rights to seek compensation for your accident.
When dealing with an accident’s stress and emotional trauma, we can handle every aspect of your claim and give you peace of mind as you recover in Holmdel, Belmar, Asbury Park, Manasquan, Brick, Freehold, Neptune, Wall, Middletown, Howell, Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey. Our knowledge of the law, practiced negotiation skills, and accomplished trial litigation experience are just what you need to win your case.
If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer in New Jersey, look no further. For a free and confidential consultation, call (732) 303-7857 or fill out a contact form online. Remember, we don’t get paid if you don’t win.
