As Tampa personal injury lawyers, our main focus is helping those who are injured get the justice they deserve. The first step in that process is a free case evaluation.
After an accident, the future might look uncertain. How do you move on from this accident? What’s my next move? Do I have a personal injury case?
This is where the value of a free case evaluation comes into focus.
What is a free case evaluation?
A free case evaluation helps a lawyer gain a better understanding of an accident from the perspective of the injured person.
Why are free case evaluations helpful?
Personal injury lawyers understand how stressful being involved in an accident is. They know the injured person has a lot of questions and they know they need answers.
A free case evaluation gives you a chance to share your side of the story. In this discussion, the lawyer collects the details of the accident and explains the legal rights in a way that’s easy to understand.
During this conversation, the lawyer, using all the information they’re given, will provide an estimation of your ability to recoup damages you can seek in a claim (or a lawsuit if needed).
In short, the goal of this meeting is for the personal injury lawyer to determine if you have a case and if it’s one they can work on.
How to prepare for a free case evaluation
Preparation will help you make the most of this meeting. Bring anything and everything you have regarding the accident.
Here’s a quick checklist of things to bring:
- Medical bills and doctor’s notes
- Police report
- Photographs/video of the accident scene
- Witness information (names and phone numbers)
If you’re worried about sharing information, rest assured free case evaluations are 100% confidential. Anything discussed in the meeting stays between you and the lawyer.
What questions will the lawyer ask me?
During your evaluation, the lawyer will ask a variety of questions to collect as much detail as possible.
Examples of these questions include:
- How did the accident happen?
- Where and when did it take place?
- Were there multiple parties involved in the accident?
- Was a police report filed?
- Did you notify your insurance company?
- Have you received any medical treatment? If so, what did you receive and when?
- Who do you believe caused the accident?
Questions to ask the lawyer during a free case evaluation
While a free case evaluation is in place to help you understand your rights and if you have a legal claim, use that time to make sure the personal injury lawyer is the right fit for you.
Here are some questions to ask:
- How long have you been a personal injury lawyer?
- Do you have any examples of successful cases that look like mine?
- In your opinion, what are my chances of succeeding?
- What do you think the best strategy is to win my case?
- Do you think you’re the right person to handle my case? Why?
Check out our Did I Choose the Right Lawyer? blog for more information.
What are the next steps?
The time after your meeting is yours to think about whether or not you want to move forward with the lawyer.
If you do, you’ll enter into an agreement via a signed contract to have them represent you.
Once the agreement is signed, the work begins. There is no attorney fee unless there is a settlement in your claim/case. The attorney fee is therefore contingent on a result in your case..
Your personal injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident and will handle the moving pieces and keep you updated on the status of your case.
Ready to file a personal injury claim? Contact us today and book your free case evaluation.
