If you were involved in a car accident in Washington, you are certainly not alone. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reports that a motor vehicle collision occurs in our state approximately once every four minutes. While not every auto accident claim requires the help of an attorney, you should always be represented by an experienced Seattle car accident attorney if you were hurt in a crash.
For some car accident victims, that first meeting with an attorney can feel overwhelming. The good news is that it does not have to be. At The Walthew Law Firm, we want to make sure that your first meeting with an auto accident lawyer is as productive and smooth as possible. To help you get ready, our legal team has put together a list of our top five tips for preparing for a meeting with a car accident lawyer.
- Write Down Your Memories From the Crash
One of the best things you can do to prepare for your initial meeting with a car accident attorney is to write down all of the key details that you can remember about the crash. By doing this, you will be able to effectively organize your thoughts and then communicate the key issues in the collision. The more information you have, the better. Among other things, you should try to include the following in your description of the accident:
- The time and date the crash occurred;
- The weather conditions;
- The approximate location of the accident;
- Why, in your view, the crash actually happened; and
- Any other notable details you can remember from the scene of the wreck.
- Get a Copy of the Police Report
Under Washington state regulations, all motor vehicle accidents should be reported to the authorities if they resulted in 1) an injury or 2) more than $700 in property damage. It is in your best interest to make sure that a police officer comes to the scene of your crash. The officer should draft an official collision report that records important information. You need to make sure that you get access to this collision report. If you do not know how to get a car accident report, your lawyer can help.
- Gather Your Medical Information and Records
If you are considering filing a personal injury claim, you will need proof of your injuries. To get the most out of your first meeting with a Seattle car accident lawyer, you should be sure to bring all medical information and medical records you have been given that are related to the crash. To start, you should bring photographs of your injuries that you have in your possession. In addition, you should bring medical bills, notes or reports from doctors, and all other items that you have received during treatment.
Do not worry if your medical records are not currently organized or if you are missing some documents or records. At this point, you can show your car accident lawyer what you have. Your lawyer will be able to help you figure out what additional documents are needed.
- Make Sure Your Insurance Information is Together
It is helpful to bring all of your insurance information to your meeting with a lawyer. Please try to to get your own policy details. Further, you should bring copies of any correspondence that you have received from your own insurance company or the other driver’s insurance provider.
- Come Prepared With a List of Questions
Finally, you should come to the meeting with a list of your own questions. If there is something that you want to know about your accident, your legal case, or the attorney’s legal services, do not be afraid to ask. An initial consultation with a car accident lawyer is a great time to get the answers to the important questions that have been lingering in your mind. Some examples of useful questions include:
- Do I have a viable personal injury claim?
- Do you have experience handling similar auto accident cases?
- Will I be required to pay any out-of-pocket fees to bring a claim?
- What are the next steps I should take?
Get Help From a Top-Rated Seattle Auto Accident Lawyer Today
At The Walthew Law Firm, our skilled Washington car accident attorneys have helped many victims recover fair compensation for their damages. If you were hurt in a motor vehicle accident, please contact us today for a free review of your case. With offices in Seattle and Everett, our law firm represents injured victims throughout the region, including in Bellevue, Tacoma, Federal Way, Renton, and Kent.