The job of an automobile injury attorney is fundamentally about documenting things. While an auto accident lawyer can certainly dig up most of the information needed to start a claim or pursue a lawsuit, it can help a lot if the client can produce some items. Here are four bits of information you should try to find and bring to your first consultation with an auto injury attorney.
Relevant Insurance Information
Presuming you have insurance, bring a copy of your policy with you to your meeting. If you don't currently have a copy of the policy with you, contact your insurance agent. They're required to provide you with all the relevant information regarding how your policy works, what claims look like, and how the company will handle various issues.
Most folks involved in accidents also exchange basic insurance information with the other driver. Even if it's just the name of a company and a policy number, that will be more than enough for an auto accident attorney to get started on a case.
Police Reports and Names of Cops
Generally, the police will document what happened at the scene of an accident. This is especially the case if the events were worrisome enough for them to consider criminal charges. Regardless of whether any charges were filed; once the cops show up, a report will be written. Obtain a copy of this report and make duplicates.
If you spoke with any officers at the scene of the accident, get their names and the contact phone numbers for their office. Don't worry if you didn't get this information. Contact the police stations where the officer responded from, and they'll provide the names and numbers you need.
If you're not sure which station or which officer you need to get in touch with, call the closest station to the scene and tell them your situation. The police will help you track down who the responding officer was.
Medical Reports
Any paperwork you get from a doctor regarding your injuries is extremely useful. Collect all the paperwork you got if you were discharged from the emergency room. If you've since seen your general practitioner or another doctor about the injuries, ask them to provide you with a report.
A Journal
Pain and suffering is one of the more challenging forms of damages to prove. Write a journal that documents each day and how you feel, both physically and emotionally. An automobile injury attorney may use a journal to bolster a claim for pain and suffering.
For more information, contact an auto accident lawyer at a firm like Malin & Kutinsky Law.
