Guide After Car Accident: Preparing To Meet With Your Attorney

The legal process after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve been injured. Preparing thoroughly for your first meeting with an attorney can make a significant difference in your case. Your attorney must know the specifics of the accident. They will ask many questions and request several documents that they will need to support your claim.

The following is a checklist of information to gather and instructions for how to prepare for your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer. After the checklist, you’ll learn why attorneys need such extensive information and whether it is confidential.

Use this article as a guide to help you stay organized throughout a car accident injury claim. You can also reach out to an attorney specializing in personal injury law or car accidents for a case evaluation.

Car Accident Information To Give Your Attorney

Be prepared to answer the following list of questions about your accident when you meet with your attorney:

• What day did the accident occur?
• What time of day did the accident occur?
• What was the exact location of the accident?
• What was the weather like?
• What were the roadway conditions (wet, dry smooth, pot-holed, etc.)?
• Were other cars or people involved?
• How did the accident occur?
• Were police called to the scene?
• Was a police report or accident report filed?
• What traffic violations, if any, were you charged with?
• Was an ambulance called to the scene?
• Were any photographs taken at the scene?
• Were any television or other media crews at the scene?
• Do you have information about witnesses or other individuals involved in the accident?
• What are the names of witnesses at the accident scene or other involved parties? (And their relation to you, if any)
• Phone and license plate numbers involved in the accident
• What injuries did you sustain as a result of the accident?

Insurance Policy Information

Have your insurance coverage information ready when you meet with your attorney for the first time. Provide the following:

• Auto insurance information (insurance company and coverage)
• Health insurance information (insurance company and coverage)
• Contact information for the insurance adjuster you worked with

Medical Bills and Injury Information

You will also need to provide information about your medical bills, treatments, and injuries.

• Were you treated by emergency personnel?
• Were you taken to a hospital or emergency room?
• What was your immediate diagnosis?
• What medical treatments were you initially provided?
• Did you have X-rays or other scans taken?
• Were you hospitalized? For how long?
• What follow-up or additional treatment have you had?
• What are your present symptoms?
• What is your present diagnosis?
• What normal activities are you unable to do because of your injuries?
• What are the names and locations of all hospitals, clinics, doctors, specialists, chiropractors, physical therapists, or other medical professionals you have seen for your injuries?
• Names of providers who have referred you to other providers?
• Who is your general or family physician?
• Have you ever had similar injuries in the past?
• Are you prepared to provide information about yourself?

General Information About Yourself

Unless you’ve worked with this attorney before, they won’t know anything about you.​

• Age and birthdate
• Address
• Phone number
• Social security number
• Marital status
• Children, if any
• Present employment, if any
• Wages or salary
• Any time you’ve missed from work as a result of the accident
• Driver’s license information
• Whether you’ve previously been involved in any car accidents
• Whether you’ve been convicted of a crime

Information About Vehicle Property Damage

Letting your attorney know what shape you vehicle is in after the accident is helpful for assessing the potential repair costs.​

• Make, model, and year of your vehicle
• Any lien holder or bank interest in the vehicle
• How long have you owned the car?
• Current working condition of the car
• When was your vehicle last serviced or seen by a mechanic?
• Damages sustained to your vehicle during the accident
• Estimate for the damages
• Any damages, dings, or dents prior to the accident
• Photographs of your vehicle, both before and after the accident

How Does Your Lawyer Use Information About Your Accident?

This may seem like a lot of information to provide. Your attorney needs these details to effectively prepare your personal injury case.

Details like the time of day, road conditions, and witness statements help establish liability. Medical records and employment information demonstrate the extent of your injuries and financial losses. The more complete and accurate your information, the stronger your case will be. This remains true whether you’re negotiating with an insurance company or end up going to court.

Your attorney uses this information to anticipate and counter arguments from the opposing side. For example, if the other party claims you were partially at fault, your legal representation can use police reports, photographs, and witness accounts to challenge that claim.

If you are unable to obtain some pieces of information, your lawyer may be able to get them through formal legal processes such as subpoenas or requests for records. They can request police reports or surveillance footage that may not be readily available to you. While it’s helpful to bring as much information as possible to your first meeting, don’t worry if you’re missing a few details. Your attorney can help fill in the gaps.

Is the Information I Share With My Attorney Confidential?

It’s natural to feel apprehensive about sharing information regarding your finances, medical diagnosis, or symptoms. Still, these are essential details your attorney must know to build a strong case and maximize compensation.

What you share with your attorney is protected under attorney-client privilege. How much of this information is shared with other parties depends on whether your case proceeds to settlement or trial.

If your lawyer is negotiating a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company, then your attorney, the insurance company, and their attorney are likely the only parties who need your information. If your injury case goes to trial, then your information becomes part of the public record. This can include monetary damages and injury information.

If you do go to trial, you can ask the court to seal the case whether you win or lose. This means information about your case, including monetary damages and injuries, won’t be public record.

Courts typically redact any personally identifying information in documents that become part of the public record. This means things like your address, Social Security number, and insurance policy number won’t be visible to the public.

Ready for the Initial Meeting With a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’re in a serious auto accident, you’ll benefit from having an attorney represent you, both for your own damages and against any claims others might make against you. Meeting with an attorney doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and many find their lawyer to be their strongest advocate throughout the legal process.

An experienced attorney can review your car accident case, provide expert legal advice, and advise on next steps. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations, and having skilled legal counsel can make a huge difference in your case.