A Checklist for Your First Personal Injury Consultation

Meeting with a personal injury attorney can feel intimidating, especially if you're still recovering or dealing with stress after an accident. But walking in prepared helps you make the most of the consultation—and positions your lawyer to begin building a strong case from day one.

1. Gather Important Documents

Your attorney needs evidence to evaluate your case. Bring anything that supports your claim or shows the impact of the injury. This may include:

• Medical records and bills (ER visits, doctor notes, prescriptions, physical therapy)
• Police reports or incident reports from the scene
• Photos of injuries, property damage, or the accident location
• Insurance information, including policy details and any correspondence with insurance adjusters
• Correspondence with other involved parties, including emails or letters from the other driver or their lawyer

Want to understand what happens after this consultation? Read: Our Process: What to Expect During a Personal Injury Lawsuit with Our Firm.

2. Create a Detailed Timeline of the Accident

Take time to write down a chronological account of what happened before, during, and after the incident. Include:

• Date and time of the accident
• Exact location
• Description of how it happened
• Actions taken immediately afterward (calling 911, seeking medical help, etc.)
• Names and contact information for any witnesses

A clear timeline helps your attorney quickly assess liability and whether negligence was involved.

3. Prepare Questions for Your Attorney

Your consultation is a two-way conversation. It’s not just about the attorney learning your case—it’s your opportunity to evaluate the attorney, too. Consider asking:

• What legal options do I have?
• What challenges do you foresee in my case?
• What is your experience with cases like mine?
• What is your contingency fee? Are there any out-of-pocket costs?
• What is the average time frame for resolving a case like this?

The American Bar Association suggests writing down key questions in advance so nothing important is forgotten.

4. Bring Documentation of Financial Loss

To recover compensation, your lawyer must demonstrate financial impact. Bring proof of:

• Lost wages (pay stubs, employer letters)
• Property damage (repair estimates or receipts)
• Out-of-pocket expenses (medical devices, transportation to medical appointments, etc.)
• Future costs you anticipate (ongoing treatment, home care)

The more complete the picture, the stronger your claim will be.

5. Be Honest and Thorough

Even if something seems like it could hurt your case—like partially causing the accident or having pre-existing injuries—tell your attorney everything. Your conversations are confidential, and your lawyer can only defend you effectively if they know the full truth.

Trying to hide information could backfire later, especially if it’s uncovered by the opposing side.

6. Understand the Attorney’s Next Steps

Before you leave the consultation, your lawyer should explain:

• Whether they believe you have a case
• What the next steps will be (e.g., further investigation, gathering expert opinions, contacting insurers)
• How communication will work (who will be your point of contact and how often you’ll receive updates)
• What you’ll need to do next—especially if there are deadlines approaching due to statutes of limitations

Want to see how cases can evolve after consultation? Explore: Securing a Multi-Million Dollar Settlement for a Brain Injury Victim.

Final Thoughts

Walking into your first personal injury consultation prepared:

• Saves time
• Helps your attorney immediately identify case strengths
• Increases your chances of moving forward efficiently

Most importantly, preparation allows your attorney to focus on what matters most: securing justice and full compensation for your injuries.