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After being injured in an accident in Waterbury, Connecticut, you may be wondering whether you need an attorney to handle your personal injury claim. A lawyer can provide you with support and legal guidance during this difficult time, so acting fast to hire one gives you a strategic advantage when negotiating with insurance companies.
Many personal injury law firms offer an initial free consultation. This is an opportunity for you and the attorney to see whether you would do well working together. This meeting is the time to discuss your legal rights and options before signing a formal agreement to hire a particular personal injury law firm.
At Gould Injury Law, we will act fast to schedule a consultation with you after you contact us. Our initial consultations are completely free of charge, with no obligation to retain our legal services. This blog will discuss the importance of a legal consultation in personal injury cases.
When Is the Right Time for a Legal Consultation?
The time you choose to reach out for a legal consultation can significantly impact the success of your claim. In general, the sooner the better.
There are specific moments when the guidance of a personal injury attorney becomes especially invaluable:
- Immediately following the accident: The sooner you can speak to a Connecticut personal injury attorney after being injured, the better. The time immediately following an accident is critical for preserving evidence that can be used to build a strong case. A lawyer can offer advice on collecting and preserving evidence, such as photos of the accident scene and eyewitness statements.
- Before communicating with insurance companies: While it is essential to notify your insurance company of your accident, it is recommended to reach out to an attorney before contacting your insurer. Your lawyer can ensure that anything you say to the adjuster cannot be misconstrued as an admission of fault or otherwise used to devalue your claim. A lawyer can also ensure that your best interests are protected during settlement negotiations.
- When facing significant damages: You may have hesitated to schedule a legal consultation only to realize that you are now left facing significant financial burdens. A lawyer can advise you on how to handle medical bills and ensure that medical expenses are properly documented and included in your personal injury claim. It is especially essential to consult a lawyer if your injury requires long-term care, since the expense of your future medical treatments needs to be calculated.
How a Legal Consultation Can Benefit You
Whether you have been injured in a car accident, workplace accident, slip-and-fall, medical malpractice incident, or some other unfortunate accident, it is in your best interests to consult a lawyer as fast as possible.
Consider some of the various advantages of consulting an attorney following a personal injury accident.
Getting an assessment of case strength
During your initial legal consultation, an attorney can assess the strengths and weaknesses of your personal injury case and offer insight as to potential outcomes.
Be honest and open with the lawyer during your consultation. This allows him or her to give you fast and accurate information on the potential legal options available to you.
An assessment of your case can let you know if you have a viable claim and help you decide whether or not to move forward in pursuing compensation.
Learning your legal rights
A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and obligations. Experienced personal injury lawyers have a deep understanding of legal statutes and know how to interpret and apply these effectively.
After hearing the details of your accident and injuries, a lawyer can act fast to explain the laws related to your case and how these apply to your specific situation.
Understanding your legal rights can assist you to make informed decisions and avoid potential legal issues that may arise.
Identifying potential legal issues
After reviewing the details of your personal injury case, a lawyer can identify any potential legal issues that could arise. These vary and could include contract disputes or criminal charges. Identifying such problems early on in the legal process gives you and your lawyer a chance to prepare and confront them faster.
Explaining the legal process
The legal system’s abundance of rules and procedures can be daunting and overwhelming. An attorney, though, can explain and break down the steps of the claims process, making sure you know what to expect as your case unfolds.
The following is a brief summary of the steps a lawyer takes when handling a personal injury case:
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering evidence
- Calculating the value of damages
- Preparing and sending a demand letter for compensation
- Negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit if a settlement agreement cannot be reached
- Beginning the discovery process
- Attempting to settle out of court through mediation
- Presenting the case in court before a judge and jury
When you consult Gould Injury Law, our lawyers can give you a general timeline of how long the claims process may take, depending on your circumstances. At our law firm, we pride ourselves on getting fast and fair settlements for our clients.
How You Can Get the Most From Your Waterbury, Connecticut Legal Consultation
Your initial consultation is a chance for the personal injury lawyer to get an understanding of your case and goals. Understandably, you may be stressed about the meeting, especially since you have suffered a physical injury and are going through a difficult time in your life.
Here are some suggestions to help you feel prepared and get the most from your initial meeting with the attorney:
- Know the facts of your case: It is important to know the significant details of your accident and injuries so that you can explain your case in a clear manner. For example, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you want to inform the attorney of the date and location of the crash, who was involved in the crash, the extent of your injuries, information about your medical treatment, and communication with the insurance company.
- Compile relevant documents: Bring any documents and evidence relevant to your dispute to the consultation. This could include incident reports, police reports, medical records, photos from the accident scene, emails from the insurance company, and more. These documents can help your lawyer gain a more thorough understanding of your case.
- Prepare a list of questions: The initial meeting is a time for you to decide whether the lawyer is the right fit for your case and your personality. To help figure this out, write down a list of questions you have for the lawyer. This will help address your concerns and get the most out of your consultation.
- Communicate your goals: The right personal injury attorney will carefully listen to the client’s goals before offering advice and options. For some clients, the priority is compensation; for others, the focus is on obtaining justice because someone harmed them. When you know and explain what outcome you want for your case, your lawyer can tailor his or her advice to achieve your goals.
- Take notes: You likely will take in a lot of information during your first consultation, and it may be difficult to remember everything later on. Taking notes during your initial meeting, though, will help you recall the key points discussed.
Reasons a Connecticut Personal Injury Attorney May Not Take Your Case
Just as you are under no obligation to hire a law firm after your initial consultation, neither is the attorney that you consult obligated to take on your claim.
The following are some reasons why an attorney may choose not to take on your case:
- There is insufficient evidence to support your claim
- The law firm has a conflict of interest relating to your case
- Your injuries are minor, and there is a lack of damages
- The law firm has too heavy of a caseload and does not have sufficient time to dedicate to your claim
Another reason an attorney may not take your case is when the statute of limitations for your case has expired. This statute legally restricts the time you have to file a personal injury claim. In Connecticut, you must file an action within 2 years from the date you were injured or from when the harm was discovered – or else you cannot file at all.
Schedule a Free Consultation With “The Fast Firm” Today
A legal consultation is a critical first step in pursuing justice and securing fast and fair compensation for your losses after suffering injuries due to someone else’s negligence in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Whether negotiating with insurance companies, managing medical expenses, or taking legal action, the assistance of a local law firm can be invaluable. Having the right legal representation empowers you to make informed decisions and protect your rights under state law.
The faster you contact an attorney after a personal injury accident, the greater your chance of a successful outcome. Let us put our legal expertise to work for you. After taking on your case, we act fast to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
Gould Injury Law handles all personal injury cases on contingency – which means you pay no upfront fees. Don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team today. Call us at 888-WIN-FAST or complete the online form.