If you have recently suffered a personal injury, you might be uncertain whether you should file a claim for your losses. If you feel that someone else is at fault, a personal injury lawyer can help you decide on your next steps during a free case consultation. If you are like many new clients at D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™, you likely have several questions about this process, including:
- What is the free consultation with a personal injury attorney like?
- Do I need to bring anything with me?
- How do I set up my consultation?
Our law firm offers legal services for victims across Texas who have sustained injuries in car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall cases, and other personal injury incidents. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today at 1(855) PRO-LAWYERS.
What Will Happen During My Free Consultation?
During the initial consultation, our primary concern is to help you determine if you have a legal claim for damages from the person who caused your accident. One of our team members will sit down with you to learn more about what happened. It is crucial that you provide as much information as possible during this meeting so we can make an informed decision on how to proceed.
We recommend you bring along the following items to your free consultation:
Any Relevant Documents
We will need to review specific documents relating to your case. These might include police reports, personal statements, insurance information, and the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed your accident.
While it is helpful for us if you bring these documents to the meeting, please do not panic if you do not have all of the documents described above. We can help you locate evidence.
A List of Questions
Try to write down a list of questions you have before arriving. We will go over your questions one by one and provide the answers you need to move forward. It is our goal to make sure you are completely comfortable with us and the legal process before we get started.
Your Own Notebook
Bring a notebook and be prepared to listen and write down the details of the meeting. We will also provide documents for you to take with you after the meeting. This will help you keep information straight in the days and weeks that follow.
What Questions Must I Answer at the Consultation?
In addition to reviewing documents, we want to hear about the accident directly from you. During your evaluation, we may ask you questions such as the following:
- Could you explain how your accident happened, from beginning to end, with as much detail as you can remember?
- When did your accident happen?
- When did you first see a doctor about your injuries? What has the doctor said about how or if your injuries will heal?
- Did you realize how serious your injuries were right away, or did they take a while to manifest?
- What interactions did you have at the accident scene with the other party, the police, or others? Do you remember what they said to you, and what you said to them?
- Has an insurance company offered you a settlement? If so, what did it offer?
We ask these questions to understand whether or not you have a strong and viable legal case for financial recovery. For example, by asking, “When did your accident happen?” we learn whether or not your case falls within the statute of limitations established under Texas law.
If we take your case, we may ask you these questions again during what is called a deposition. A deposition is a formal interview designed to provide an official record that both we and the at-fault party can use as evidence in a personal injury lawsuit.
Do I Need to Provide Medical Information During the Consultation?
To determine if you have a valid case, we might need specific details about your injuries. We might request the following:
- A signed form authorizing the release of your medical information, so we can obtain the records on your behalf;
- Information about your insurance coverage and a copy of your insurance policy;
- Any one-on-one, written, or recorded correspondence between you and any insurance adjusters; and
- Your current medical condition, the current status of your injuries, and any relevant details from your last doctor’s visit.
Again, if you do not have any medical or insurance records on hand or are unsure of how to request them, let us know during the evaluation. We make the legal process easier on clients by helping them collect all of the evidence they need to pursue a case.
What Legal Options Might I Have?
If you have a valid negligence case, we can begin the process and help you recover damages. We will send out a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. This letter outlines our intent to file a lawsuit and describes the basis of this legal action. It also describes the nature of your injuries and requests immediate reimbursement.
If the defendant claims no responsibility for your injuries, we will file a lawsuit with the court. Once the lawsuit is registered with the courts, the defendant has from now until the lawsuit goes to trial to agree to a settlement. Once the defendant pays the settlement, the case will be dismissed. If the defendant refuses to pay, the lawsuit will go to trial, and a judge or jury will decide what happens.
Keep in mind that there are many factors that determine whether we take a case to court. We can explain which option is right for you after your free evaluation and, potentially, a further analysis of your case.
What Details Are Important to My Personal Injury Case?
Several crucial details can help prove your right to damages from the at-fault party. During our investigation, we will look at a variety of facts to bolster your claim, such as:
The Presence of Witnesses
Eyewitnesses who can testify about the cause of your injury can help strengthen your case. That is why we recommend you take down the names and numbers of anyone who saw your injury occur.
The Accident Scene
We will revisit the scene of the accident to get a clearer picture of what happened. If you took any photos of the scene at the time of your accident, we can use these to help us establish additional details about your case.
Your Property Damage
If your case involves both personal injury and property damage, we will help you pursue funds for both. Receipts or repair estimates for your vehicle or any other personal property that was damaged in your accident can help us prove the value of these losses.
Accident Reports
If the police responded to the scene of your accident, their official report can help us establish fault. If your incident occurred on public property or at a private business, an accident statement from the property manager can also help us prove how another person’s negligence caused your injuries.
Can I Hire an Attorney Immediately After a Consultation?
If you are ready to get started on your case after the evaluation, just let us know, and we can draw up an agreement. This will outline the terms of our help and what you can expect.
Starting a personal injury claim or lawsuit is no small matter. A free case evaluation is a no-risk, confidential way to determine if legal aid is right for you.
How Can I Schedule My Free Consultation with Someone from D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™?
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ might be able to help you recover damages. We offer free, no-obligation consultations so you can learn more about the strength of your case and your potential legal options.
To schedule your case evaluation, call us at 1(855) PRO-LAWYERS today. Members of our team are ready 24/7 to assist with your personal injury case.
Related Frequently Asked Questions
- When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
- What Happens If You Get Hit By An Uninsured Driver In Texas?
- How Do I Get A Police Report For A Car Accident In Houston?
- How Do Personal Injury Lawyers Get Their Attorneys’ Fees in Texas?
- What Can You Recover for a Wrongful Death From a Truck Accident in Texas?