You may be nervous about the idea of talking to a personal injury attorney. But there’s no need to be. You are the client, and we are here to serve you. Below are some pointers that will let you know what to expect and help your free legal consult go smoothly.
Understand that lawyers must keep what you tell us confidential.* Even if you consult with Mercado Kramer and do not hire us, we will keep your sensitive information locked down. Our conversations stay between us. A legal consult is a safe place to speak freely.
Be honest with the attorney. The more information we have, the more accurate the advice we can give you. This means not hiding bad information. Everyone has a past. You may have a prior back injury that was made worse by a car wreck or a criminal conviction. Insurance companies have powerful ways of finding out about your history, so don’t assume that you can hide the truth. A good lawyer will work with the facts of your case and fight for the best outcome.
You are evaluating US just as much as we are evaluating YOU. Make a list of questions ahead of the appointment so you remember everything you want to know. Examples of questions are:
How much experience do you have?
Have you ever handled cases like mine? (We can’t discuss the specifics of past clients due to confidentiality, but we can give you a general idea of how we’ve handled similar cases.)
How do you communicate with your clients? How often?
Who will be my main point of contact?
Any specific questions you have about your case, such as:
What can I do if the other driver says I’m at fault?
Should I work while I’m injured?
How do I pay for my medical treatment?
And more.
There are some questions you are welcome to ask, but be aware of how the lawyer answers them. If you ask, “How long will my case take?” we can give you a range based on our experience. But any case can have unexpected twists and turns, and no attorney should promise you a certain time frame. You may want to ask how much your case is worth. But be cautious if an attorney tells you an amount without first doing a thorough investigation. It’s easy for a lawyer to toss out a tempting number to entice you to hire them, but that number would just be a guess. You may be disappointed later. At Mercado Kramer, we will tell you the truth – that we need to investigate and build up your case to make it worth as much as possible.
Be prepared to answer questions about the facts of your accident and injury, your medical history, your professional history, your lifestyle, and more. This is because every single personal injury case is different. You are unique. Injuries impact every part of your life. The more information we have, the better we can craft a plan to get you the maximum compensation for your pain and suffering. But if you’re still nervous, we don’t have to go over every detail on the first day we talk. We will build a relationship with you and show you that we are worthy of your trust.
There are several formats for a consult. We can meet you over Zoom, on the phone, or in person.
It is helpful if you bring documents related to your case. These include police reports, pictures, your vehicle and health insurance information, your driver’s license, and any medical bills or discharge papers you’ve received. Don’t stress if you can’t find these things – but do bring them if you have them. You don’t need paper copies. You can show the attorney information on your phone if that’s easier.
*Exception: Don't tell the lawyer if you are planning to commit a crime! (And don't commit a crime!)