First and foremost, seek medical attention. If your injury is severe, go to the emergency room or urgent care immediately. If your injuries are not urgent, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor as soon as possible. It’s crucial to document your injuries in medical records, as insurance adjusters and juries may question the validity of undocumented claims.
After receiving medical care, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney. This initial consultation is about exploring your options and assessing whether the attorney is a good fit for you. It does not mean you are hiring them immediately. Here are some questions to ask during your consultation:
- What percentage of your work is on personal injury cases?
- Will I have direct communication with you rather than office staff?
- Do you try cases to juries?
- Where are you located?
- What are your fees?
Remember, the attorney is also evaluating if your case fits their firm. Both parties should feel comfortable with each other before signing a contract. Generally, there’s no rush to hire an attorney right after an accident, giving you time to find the right one for your needs.
However, there are situations where urgency is necessary. For example, in accidents involving 18-wheelers or other commercial vehicles, preserving evidence is critical. These vehicles often have electronic data that can provide important information about the crash, such as the truck’s speed and driver activity. An attorney can send a preservation letter to the company to ensure they do not lose this evidence.
If you have suffered an injury, reach out to us to discuss your case and determine if we are a good match.