If you were injured due to the negligence of another party, you likely deserve compensation. But, taking legal action can feel overwhelming, especially when you are recovering from a serious injury. Knowing what to expect can make the process a lot easier and eliminate much of your stress. If you are meeting with a personal injury attorney for the first time, read on to learn more about an initial consultation and how you can best prepare.
How Long do I have to File a Personal Injury Claim?
If you have been injured and you wish to take legal action, there is an important deadline to which you must adhere. This deadline, also called the statute of limitations, differs in every state. In New Jersey, you will have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim. If you do not file in time, you may no longer be eligible to receive compensation for your injury. Because of this, it is important to begin the process early on. One of the first steps of the legal process is an initial consultation.
What Should I Bring?
An initial consultation is a meeting between you and your attorney so that your attorney can become more familiar with your case. To help familiarize your attorney, there are some documents you should bring with you. These documents may include:
- Proof of injury, including photos/videos from the accident and contact information of any witnesses.
- A written account of the events of the accident and the events that followed
- Health insurance and any other relevant insurance information
- Medical documents detailing the origin and extent of your injuries and receipts detailing the cost of any medical expenses you incurred
- Statements regarding the amount of time you missed from work due to your injury, resulting in lost wages and opportunities
- If the police or medics were called, a copy of the report
- A list of questions you wish to ask your attorney
What Will I Be Asked?
Just as you will likely have questions for your attorney, he or she will have questions for you. Some of the questions you should be prepared to answer may include:
- What is your official prognosis?
- How have your injuries impacted your everyday life?
- Have you given a statement to your insurance company?
- Have you had any correspondence with the other party or their insurance company? If so, bring a copy of this correspondence.
- Have you ever filed a personal injury claim before?
CONTACT OUR FIRM
Retaining an attorney after an injury-causing accident is the most effective way to ensure that you receive the compensation to which you are legally entitled. To learn more about how we can help you, call the Wilton Law Firm today at 732-275-9555 or send us an email through our online contact form.
