Most people schedule a meeting with an attorney during a stressful time. You’re dealing with pain, medical appointments, and uncertainty about the future. The last thing you want is confusion about what documents to gather before your appointment.
Our friends at Warner & Fitzmartin – Personal Injury Lawyers discuss preparation strategies with clients every day. When you meet with a truck accident lawyer, having the right information makes the conversation more productive and helps us evaluate your case accurately.
What Medical Information Should I Gather?
Medical documentation forms the backbone of your injury claim. We need to see how the accident impacted your health and what treatment you’ve received. Start by collecting reports from your emergency room visit if you went immediately after the accident. These initial records capture your injuries at their worst and establish a direct connection to the incident.
Gather all follow-up appointment notes from your primary doctor, specialists, and therapists. Include radiology reports like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. Prescription information matters too. Keep a list of medications you’ve taken and their costs. Don’t forget rehabilitation records if you’ve attended physical therapy or occupational therapy sessions.
Medical bills should come with you as well. We need the financial picture of your treatment to calculate damages. If you haven’t received all your medical records yet, bring whatever you have. We can request missing documents on your behalf.
How Do I Document the Accident Itself?
Evidence from the scene proves what happened and who was responsible. Photos are incredibly valuable. If you took pictures at the accident location, print them or have them ready on your phone. Capture angles showing vehicle damage, skid marks, weather conditions, and your visible injuries.
The police report provides an official account of the incident. Contact your local law enforcement agency to obtain a copy. According to the Insurance Information Institute, police reports contain witness information and preliminary fault assessments that strengthen injury claims.
Write down everything you remember about the accident while details are fresh. Include the time, location, weather, traffic conditions, and what you saw or heard. Memory fades quickly, so creating a written account now protects those details.
What Insurance Documents Are Important?
Insurance paperwork helps us understand coverage limits and policy terms. Bring your own auto insurance policy, especially the declarations page showing your coverage amounts. If another driver caused your injuries, get their insurance information from the police report or exchange of information at the scene.
Save every letter, email, or text from insurance companies. This includes:
- Initial claim acknowledgment letters
- Requests for recorded statements
- Settlement offers
- Denial letters
- Adjuster contact information
Never give a recorded statement to any insurance company before consulting us. Adjusters use these statements to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether.
Should I Bring Employment Records?
Yes, income documentation is often overlooked but really important. Injuries can prevent you from working or reduce your earning capacity. We need proof of your wages to calculate lost income damages.
Bring recent pay stubs covering at least the past few months. Tax returns from the last two years show your earning history. If you missed work after the accident, get a letter from your employer stating the dates you were absent and any lost wages.
Self-employed individuals need additional documentation like 1099 forms, invoices, and profit statements. Business interruption affects independent contractors differently than traditional employees, so detailed financial records become necessary.
What Questions Should I Ask During Our Meeting?
Come prepared with questions about your specific situation. Write them down beforehand so you don’t forget once we start talking. Most clients want to know about timelines, potential compensation, and legal fees. Others ask about their role in the process or what happens if they share some fault for the accident.
We encourage questions at every stage. Understanding your case reduces anxiety and helps you make informed decisions. There’s no such thing as a stupid question when your health and finances are at stake.
Getting organized now sets your case up for success. Even if you’re missing some paperwork, don’t delay scheduling your appointment. Personal injury claims have strict deadlines, and waiting too long can cost you the chance to recover compensation. Contact us today to discuss your injuries and start working toward the settlement you deserve.