Preparing to meet with your personal injury attorney

If you have been injured in an accident (car or other type of accident), or have suffered an injury due to the nonaction, negligence or actions of another, it is important to see an attorney to discuss your possible claim. Before you see your attorney, gather documents and other information you may have regarding the incident that caused your injury. Bring this information with you to give your attorney. You may have different types of information depending on your situation, or your attorney may ask you to bring additional information not listed in this checklist.

General information and documentation related to your injury may include:

Name and address of the ambulance company
Name and address of the hospital you were taken to
The dates of the incident that caused your injury
The dates that you were taken to the hospital/emergency room
Names and addresses of the doctors or chiropractors that examined you
Names and addresses of any witnesses to the incident that caused your injury
Dates you were unable to work due to your injuries
Name and contact information for your insurance company, insurance agent and any other insurance representatives you have talked to
A copy of your accident report
Copies of written statements
Applicable insurance policies: homeowners, renters or automobile
Health insurance documents, including your policy or coverage information
Disability insurance documentation
Veterans insurance policy

Any other documentation, including hospitalization
Copies of any correspondence you have had with your insurance company, including letters, emails, etc.
Medical bills
Receipts for anything you’ve had to buy or fix because of your injuries
Documentation of lost wages
If your injuries are due to a car accident, there may be other types of documents and information you should bring to your attorney, including:
Proof of premium payments, including statements, bills, cancelled checks, receipts or anything you have to show that your insurance premium has been paid
Information exchanged at the time of the accident, including names, contact information from the other party or witnesses or any correspondence with any of the parties after the accident
Information you gave the police at the time of the accident, including the police report
Traffic tickets related to the accident
Photographs of any property damage caused by the accident
Any statements you may have given to your insurance company or the other party’s insurance company
Medical records
Records of any psychological/psychiatric care or treatment needed due to the accident
Any information you may have about the other driver in the accident, pedestrians or witnesses, including name, address, phone number, make/model/color of car, license plate number, insurance company, location at the time of the accident and/or description of what they saw
Date, time, location of the accident