If you've been hurt and you're considering talking to a lawyer for the first time, it's normal to feel a little unsure about what to expect.  At Bautista LeRoy LLC, we want your first meeting with us to be as helpful as possible, and that starts with knowing what to bring.  The more information we have up front, the better we can answer your questions and explain your options.  Here's a simple guide to help you prepare, whether you're meeting with us in Kansas City, St. Louis, or Bentonville.

Any Paperwork From the Accident

If you were in a car accident, bring the police report if you have it, or at least the report number so we can request a copy.  If you fell somewhere or got hurt on someone else's property, bring any incident report that was filled out at the time.  These documents help us understand the basic facts of what happened and who was involved.

Photos or Videos

If you took pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, property damage, or anything else related to what happened, bring those along too.  Photos taken soon after an incident are often more useful than ones taken later, since they capture the scene before anything changes.  If you have video from a dash cam, doorbell camera, or someone's phone, that can be valuable as well.  You should also let us know if you suspect the incident was recorded on other types of recorders, such as a CCTV or security camera in the vicinity.  We can request to view that media and subpoena copies if necessary. 

Contact Information for Witnesses

If anyone saw what happened, their name and phone number can be helpful down the road.  Witnesses do not always remember details clearly if too much time passes, so having their information early can make a real difference in how a case comes together.  It's not unheard of that bystanders provide their name and number but leave before the investigating officers arrive on the scene.  Saving that information could be critical to your case, especially where the only identifiable witnesses are you and the other party.  The latter creates a “he-said, she-said” scenario, which is problematic for proving your case.

Medical Records and Bills

Bring any medical records or bills you already have from your treatment so far. This includes emergency room visits, doctor appointments, physical therapy, and any diagnostic tests like x rays or scans.  If you don't have copies yet, that's okay too.  Just bring the names of the providers you've seen so we can help track them down.  We use medical records authorizations and issue formal requests to collect certified and authenticated of those documents for use in court anyway, but our efforts can't be complete without the provider information from you.

Information About Insurance

Bring your own insurance information, along with any information you have about the other party's insurance if you know it.  Your insurance information could be very significant in a motor vehicle collision, for example, where the other party turns out to lack insurance or have only minimal coverage and we're forced to access your uninsured (“UM”) or underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage.  If the insurance company has already contacted you, bring any letters, emails, texts or claim numbers they've given you.  If you've spoken to an adjuster on the phone, try to remember roughly when that happened and what was discussed.

A List of Missed Work or Lost Income

If your injury has kept you from working, bring pay stubs or any documentation showing your normal income, along with information about how much work you've missed.  You should also get the name of a contact in the human resources department or your supervisor at your place of employment to allow us to corroborate your employment information.  This helps us understand the financial impact the injury has had on you, not just the medical side of things.

Your Own Notes and Questions

It's easy to forget details once you're sitting across from a lawyer, so we always encourage people to write things down beforehand. Jot down a timeline of what happened, how your injuries have affected your daily life, and any questions you want to ask us.  There are no wrong questions here.  This meeting is about making sure you feel informed and comfortable before deciding on next steps.

What if You Don't Have Everything?

Please don't let missing paperwork stop you from reaching out. Many people come to their first meeting without documents in hand, and that's completely fine. We can help track down records, reports, and other information as part of our work together.  The most important thing is simply starting the conversation.

What to Expect During the Meeting

During your free consultation, we'll listen to what happened, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment of your situation. We'll also explain how our fee structure works, including our no win, no fee arrangement, so you understand exactly what to expect if you decide to move forward with us.

The Bottom Line

Bringing what you can to your first meeting helps us give you the clearest picture of your options, but showing up with just your story is a fine place to start too. At Bautista LeRoy LLC, our goal is to make this process as easy as possible during a time that is already stressful enough.

If you've been injured and you're ready to talk, reach out to our offices in Kansas City, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, or Bentonville, Arkansas. Consultations are free, and there's no obligation to move forward afterward. The author, Jose M. Bautista, is a partner at Bautista LeRoy LLC.  Should you have any questions or wish to discuss the article, our attorneys can be reached at www.bautistaleroy-bentonville.com or 479-208-6614.