4 Car Accident Documents to Have When Meeting Your Lawyer

We all spend hours behind the wheels of our automobiles each week. We spend so much time in ours that they become like second homes. However, it is possible to get so comfortable that you forget the large risk just getting on a public roadway can bring.

We all very likely will be in at least one accident in our lifetimes. If we’re lucky, a mere fender-bender lies in our future, though one can never be sure. If the accident you’re in is more serious, you might need the help of an attorney to secure your future stability.

What car accident documents should you bring when going to meet an attorney for the first time? Read on and we’ll walk you through what you should be aware of.

The Importance of an Attorney

Not every car accident situation will require an attorney, but many will require it. A serious accident can result in damage to your vehicle and personal injuries that can be serious.

The cost of medical care alone could be enough to bankrupt a family after a serious car accident. It’s essential, then, that the injured individual get the compensation they deserve from the opposing driver and their insurance company.

An attorney can help ensure that the compensation you are entitled to be properly valuated and received. Too often, insurance companies low-ball and fight their way out of paying car accident victims the kinds of totals they deserve.

Hiring an attorney to handle your case comes with a wide range of benefits. An experienced attorney can help you determine how much compensation you actually have a right to. They will have handled hundreds of cases just like yours in the past and will know the steps to take to get the outcome you desire.

They’ll be able to walk you through each step of the process and ensure you’re well-cared for during this time of need. The last thing you want following an accident is the added stress of trying to win a legal case all on your own.

Car Accident Documents to Bring With You

Once you’ve done your research and found a reliable law office you’re interested in doing business with, it’s time to prepare for your initial meeting. This meeting will set the foundation for the rest of your case. The more prepared you can be, the better.

There are a number of different documents you can bring with you to best lay the ground for your relationship with your attorney. 

1. Basic Vehicle Information

First and foremost, basic information about your vehicle can be of great help. That means photos of your vehicle from before and after the incident, as well as identification information like your VIN, insurance information, and license plate number.

You might also want to bring your vehicle title with you, as well as your driver’s license and any paperwork associated with your insurance policy. 

It’s also a good idea to give your attorney as much information about the other car involved in the accident as well. Photos and details will be beneficial if you have them.

2. Bills from Repairs or Medical Care

If you’ve taken in the car for repairs or estimates already, bringing this paperwork to your attorney can be essential. They will need to know the potential cost of repairs to properly find the compensation total that you deserve.

The same goes for any medical care that you’ve received thus far. Bringing medical bills for the care you’ve received after the accident is essential and should not be overlooked.

It can also be worth bringing pay stubs from work so that an attorney can determine the money you might be owed from lost wages.

3. Evidence From the Scene of the Accident

Any and all existing evidence from the accident should also be provided. All photos and videos you’ve taken at the scene of the accident can be hugely helpful. If these are on your cell phone, make sure to copy them to multiple devices so that you do not lose them.

You should also have received a copy of the police report following the accident. Bringing this report will be important as it is a key piece of evidence in your case.

4. Other Documentation

Other basic identification documents, such as your social security number, will likely be necessary as well. Proof of your address and proof of employment can be helpful, as well as contact information for your family and your employer.

This way if an attorney needs to reach out to those closest to you for more information, they can.

Speaking With a Potential Attorney

When you sit down with the attorney who might take on your case, you want to provide them with as much information about your situation as possible. The more information you are able to provide them with, the better they’ll be able to help you and your case.

Walk the attorney through everything you’ve brought with you and attempt to provide any further documentation that they might think is necessary. 

This initial meeting is also the time for you to ask the attorney any questions you may have about the case and inquire about their background. You want to hire an attorney with experience, of course, but also one that you personally get along with. The easier you find it to communicate with your potential hire, the better.

Going over the evidence and documents gives you the perfect opportunity to feel what the professional relationship with this individual might be like.

Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s essential that you bring the proper documents with you when discussing your case. The above information can ensure that you don’t leave anything important behind.

Need immediate help with your case? Give us a call anytime for a free consultation. 

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