What Happens When I Call a Lawyer After I Have Been Hurt or Injured? Find Out From Our Personal Injury Lawyers How To Be Prepared.
Are you planning to call a personal injury lawyer after you have been hurt or injured?
The idea of calling a law firm or needing to talk to a personal injury attorney can sometimes be an intimidating thought. Not only are you likely dealing with a situation that is new and stressful for you, but now you believe you might need the help of a stranger. We understand that reaching out to a lawyer can partly be because of a fear or dread of speaking with a lawyer.
To help you prepare for your call, it’s helpful to know that there are important facts a lawyer will need to know to determine if he or she can help.
What Do I Need To Do Before I Call a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Prior to calling, it is best to take a few minutes to sit down to organize and collect your thoughts. It doesn’t need to be anything formal or fancy but just something to guide you and help the call go smoothly.
Some of the basic questions a personal injury lawyer will want to know include:
- The date, time and location of the incident that caused you injury
- How your injury occurred
- Names of any witnesses
- Whether photographs were taken
- If this is an automobile crash, the name of the other driver’s insurance company if you have it and the type of coverage you carry on your own vehicle
- The name of the potential defendant(s)
- Where you have sought medical care
- What injuries you may have been diagnosed with
Also, in advance, sometimes it’s helpful to write down questions you want to make sure you ask the lawyer during your call.
When I Call A Law Office, Will I Actually Speak To An Attorney?
Who you speak to when you initially call a law firm regarding a personal injury matter can depend on the size of the law firm and how they structure their intake process. In many instances, you will first speak to a paralegal who will take some of the basic information regarding your case before turning it over to an attorney who will then speak to you in more detail. During the call, the attorney most often will ask you to explain your situation to them and may stop you along the way as he or she has questions. Once the attorney has a good understanding of the facts, he or she may explain and educate you regarding what the laws relevant to your potential case are.
Lawyers are just people who happen to know the elements and intricacies of the law and how to apply that law to different situations. If a lawyer acts in any way to a potential client that does not make you feel comfortable, they’re likely not the right fit for you.
At LaMarche Safranko Law, you will always speak to an attorney prior to determining whether your matter is something we can handle and if we are a good fit for you.
If I Talk To A Lawyer On The Phone Or Meet The Lawyer In Person, Am I Obligated To Hire This Lawyer?
No. Just because you call and talk to a lawyer, and even if you meet with the lawyer, it does not mean that you must hire that lawyer or their law firm. You can call and talk to as many lawyers as you like without being committed to any of them as a client.
Like any other person, lawyers have different personalities and different ways of communicating. It’s important to feel comfortable with the lawyer that you may ultimately hire and feel confident that they have your best interest at heart.
When contacting a personal injury lawyer at LaMarche Safranko Law, your initial consultation is free and even if you hire the lawyer the case will likely be handled on a contingency fee basis where a lawyer will only be paid if he/she recovers something for you.
Is What I Say To A Lawyer Over The Phone Confidential?
You should know that any conversation, involving legal advice, you have with a lawyer is privileged and confidential. Unlike on television, an exchange of money is irrelevant to establishing attorney-client privilege and confidentially. No matter what happens moving forward, that conversation you had is completely protected.
Situations that require legal assistance often involve details that are sensitive in nature to you. Even if you do not ultimately choose to work with a particular lawyer, you should know that your information will remain privileged and confidential. This is something attorneys take very seriously.
How Do I Know If I Have A Good Case?
Once the attorney has a good understanding of the facts and nature of your situation, the attorney will then discuss his/her perspective about your case and your options on how to proceed. In certain circumstances, the attorney may need more information such as medical records before a decision can be made about the strength of your case. In other cases, the attorney may be able to broadly explain a legal concept and what it means for you. In many matters, the attorney will schedule an appointment for you to come to the office to meet with you in person and discuss the law relevant to your case as well as your options in more detail.
If after speaking with you, we are not able to assist you with your particular legal issue, we are committed to getting you the help you need and will provide you with recommendations for other attorneys who may be able to assist you.
Lawyers at LaMarche Safranko Law can be reached at (518) 982-0770.
