How to Approach a Free Consultation with an Attorney in Destin, FL
Paul Brannon | February 23, 2022 | Personal Injury
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slipped in the grocery store, or been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you need a personal injury lawyer.
You have many options for legal representation in Destin. After searching for “accident lawyers near me: free consultation,” you may still be left with a lot of lawyers to select from!
Many good personal injury attorneys will offer a brief free consultation to determine whether you have a case and your options for recovering compensation after your injuries. Being prepared before your meeting can help you get the most out of your brief time.
How Long Is a Free Consultation?
A free consultation is typically 30 minutes to an hour. The consultation is free, but attorney-client privilege will likely still protect anything that you say during this meaning.
What Happens in an Injury Lawyer Free Consultation?
The lawyer will start by asking for the details of your case, including where and when it happened and how badly you were hurt.
They’ll also ask about other parties involved, such as if you were hit by a car. And they’ll ask if you were injured in a public setting or private business, like slipping on a wet floor at the grocery store or tripping over carpeting in the public library.
The more details you have about the case, the better the attorney can understand whether you have a strong claim for damages.
Bring as much documentation as you can, such as:
- Police reports
- Accident report, if you were hurt in a place of business
- Witness statements
- Photos or videos of the accident scene
- Medical records from your treatment after the accident
- Physician statement about injuries that need ongoing care
- Proof that you had to miss work because of the accident
These pieces of information help the lawyer determine who was at fault and whether you can sue for damages.
What Should I Ask During My Attorney Consultation?
The free lawyer consultation is a chance for you and the lawyer to interview each other. This person will be your advocate in the courtroom or in mediation or arbitration. It’s important to find someone you trust and feel comfortable working with.
Not all personal injury lawyers are the same. Some may handle car accident cases, while others primarily handle product liability or medical malpractice. Ask the lawyer about their experience and areas of practice during your consultation.
You can ask whether they think your case will go to court and how long they believe the settlement process will take. Other important questions to ask your lawyer may concern the facts of the case.
You might be worried that you could get in trouble if you were partly to blame for the accident. Even so, you should tell your lawyer the truth. Lawyers cannot reveal confidential information, and knowing all of the facts will help them move your case forward.
Ask about fees. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they’ll get a portion of the compensation only if they win or settle your case. But there may be other costs associated with proving your case, such as hiring an investigator. Ask upfront how the lawyer will be paid.
Be wary of lawyers who promise a huge settlement or those that guarantee that you’ll win. Even with the best set of facts, nothing is certain, especially if your case goes to trial. But a good lawyer will put your best interests first and work to maximize your compensation based on the facts of your case.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Northwest Florida
If you need legal assistance, contact the Destin personal injury lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:
Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297
Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243