Personal Injury Lawsuits – Part 2 – What to Bring to Your First Appointment

It’s your first visit with your Personal Injury Lawyer, and you might be a little nervous, but don’t be. As a rule, you will meet in private with your attorney and the two of you will discuss your case in depth. He/she might give you an overview of the law firm’s past record with cases similar to yours, and give you an idea of the possible outcome of your case and the path it might follow.

After your visit with your attorney, you will be introduced to the two key people with whom you will be working – your Paralegal and your Medical Legal Assistant.

Your Paralegal will oversee your case and will be the person wit whom you interact the most. Your Medical Legal Assistant will be in charge of your medical records. She will immediately begin to send for any medical records and reports already in existence. As these documents arrive at the office, she will review each one and put it in your file.

There are certain documents you should bring to your first appointment so your Paralegal can copy them for your file. Basically, you should bring anything and everything that has any bearing on your accident. Here is a partial list:

Accident Report – whatever agency responded to your accident should have filled out an Accident Report. This report can have a wealth of information for your attorney and Paralegal. Usually, the report is available 10 to 15 days after your accident. It’s a good idea to call the agency involved, get the Case Number, and the approximate date the report will be available. If you are physically unable to get a copy of the report, don’t despair. Your Paralegal can obtain a copy.Any medical related documents you have accumulated to date, such as appointments, prescription receipts, the ambulance bill, if appropriate, etc. Your Paralegal will also make copies of any medical insurance cards you have.If the other driver’s insurance adjuster has been calling you, provide your Paralegal with the name and phone number of the adjuster. Your Paralegal will immediately send a letter to the adjuster advising him/her that you are now represented by an attorney. The adjuster will stop calling you.Your driver’s license, automobile insurance card, and the Declarations Page of your automobile insurance policy. The Declarations Page is very important. Your Paralegal will review your coverage. If you don’t have automobile insurance, don’t let that stop you from seeking the help of an attorney. There are many ways he can help you.The location of your vehicle and any photos you might have of the vehicle and/or accident scene. If there are no photos, and your car is still damaged and available, your Paralegal can send someone to take pictures.

You will be asked to sign a medical release so your Medical Legal Assistant can begin contacting all of your medical providers and accumulating your medical records and bills. She will advise each health care provider that you are working with an attorney. Other releases may also be required, such as an employment release so your Paralegal can verify your loss of earnings after you return to work.

You may be given a log to keep track of your appointments and any mileage associated with these appointments. Any time you visit your attorney’s office, or are in the neighborhood, bring in this log and any new documents you have acquired so the Paralegal and Medical Legal Assistant can keep your file up to date.

Personal Injury Lawsuits – Part 2 – What to Bring to Your First Appointment is a post from: Renee Benzaim, Writer