If you recently got into an auto accident, you may be considering hiring an auto accident attorney to help you. While they will do the heavy lifting for you – including negotiating with the insurance company – you should bring some documents and information with you to speed up the process. By working hand-in-hand, you’ll have a much better chance of getting the settlement you deserve.
Here’s what you’ll need for your first meeting with an auto accident attorney in Woodburn.
Your Medical Records
You’ll need to provide your medical records to your attorney as well as the insurance company. If you don’t have them, you can call your doctor or hospital to get them. If that’s too much for you to do at this time, your attorney can help you gather them.
Police Report
When you get into an accident, you’ll need to file a police report. Your attorney is going to ask you if you have one at your first meeting.
Details About the Accident
If you wrote down details about the accident right after it occurred, then give them to your attorney. This is going to help them when they’re making the claim. It’s crucial to write down details as soon as possible so you don’t forget anything that happened.
Evidence From the Crash
If you collected witness statements from people who saw what happened, photos of the accident, or videos, then give those to your attorney as well. The more evidence you have, the better.
Pay Stubs
If you had to take any time off from work to go to the doctor and you missed out on your pay, then bring the stubs to your meeting with your attorney. Loss of wages is one of the damages that you could claim.
Information About the Insurance Companies
If you already made a claim with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company, make sure you bring that documentation to your meeting. If you haven’t spoken with the other driver’s insurance company yet, avoid saying too much about the accident.
If you say you were injured or tell them too much information without talking to an attorney first, you may not get the settlement you need. Insurance companies are not looking out for your best interests. They’ll take a recorded statement when you’re vulnerable and could deny your claim or make you a very low offer.
They may also try to make you feel like this is the best offer you’ll receive, which typically isn’t true. Even if you think their offer is suitable, it’s probably not. Your injuries could get worse down the line, and then you won’t have the settlement money you need to cover your expenses, along with other damages. That’s why it’s critical to connect with an auto accident attorney ASAP. They will work hard for you, negotiate with the insurance company, and hopefully get you a suitable settlement so that you won’t have to worry about your expenses.
Contact Zbinden & Curtis Today
Zbinden & Curtis, a Portland personal injury law firm, cares about accident victims, and we’re ready to help you with your auto accident. We fight tooth and nail for our clients to get them the settlement they deserve in their time of need.
Contact us today to learn more by calling (503) 287-5000 or contacting us on our website for a free case evaluation. We look forward to hearing from you.
