Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
At Shulman & Hill, we strive to make our consultations as stress-free as possible. During the initial meeting, our lawyers will learn more about your situation, assess your case’s viability, present your legal options, and answer your questions.
Meeting with an attorney for the first time can be nerve-racking, but we’re on your side. Knowing how to prepare for your consultation with a personal injury lawyer can ease your nerves and help you make the most of your time. While you don’t need to have everything figured out before you speak with us, bringing any evidence or information you already have can give us a strong starting point.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare for your consultation by gathering documents, photos, or information about your accident and injuries.
- Write down questions you want to ask the attorney before your consultation.
- You remain in control of your personal injury case and have the final say on whether to move forward with a lawyer.
- It’s best to contact our lawyers as soon as possible after an accident, even if you don’t have all your documentation yet.
Bring Important Documents Related to Your Accident and Injuries
One of the goals of the consultation is to help the personal injury lawyer get familiar with your case. You and the lawyer need to know if you have a case with legal standing. To serve this goal, be sure to bring any paperwork and documents related to your accident. Documents you should bring to your consultation with our lawyers include:
- Medical records
- A care plan you are using, or any reports or documentation explaining necessary treatment
- Names and addresses of hospitals, EMT services, or other health care services you’ve used
- Dates on which you received any health care from the above services
- Admittance and release dates
- Prescribed medications
- Insurance information
- Paperwork detailing your insurance claim policy (if applicable)
- The other party’s car insurance policy number
- Photos of your injuries taken at the scene
- Official police reports
- Wage-loss documentation (pay stubs, timesheets, or an employer letter confirming missed time)
The paperwork and evidence you bring to your consultation provide a starting point for your attorney. From there, they can determine the next steps to take and create the beginnings of a strategy for pursuing your compensation.
“To get the most out of your consultation with Shulman & Hill, come prepared. Bring all relevant documents: accident reports, medical records, photos, insurance correspondence, and wage loss documentation. Prepare a clear timeline of events and be ready to walk us through what happened. Know your medical history, including prior injuries and ongoing symptoms. And don’t forget to bring your questions: whether about the case, the process, or what to expect. No question is too small. Preparation helps us help you.”
Alex Shulman,
Founding Partner
If You Don’t Have All of Your Documents Yet, Don’t Worry
While bringing documentation can help us give you the most accurate guidance during your consultation, it’s not required—especially if your accident happened recently and some documents aren’t yet available. Our attorneys can help you gather additional evidence, such as police reports and medical records, to strengthen your claim.
New York’s statute of limitations limits your time to file a personal injury claim, and missing the deadline could disqualify you from recovering compensation. It’s best to contact us as soon as possible rather than wait until you have every piece of paperwork in hand.
The Personal Injury Attorney Will Ask You Questions at the First Consultation
To prepare for your consultation with our personal injury attorneys, anticipate the questions we might ask. Each question helps us understand more about your case. Potential questions our team may ask you during a consultation include:
- What injuries are you dealing with from the accident, and what is your current pain level?
- Have you seen a doctor already, and what is your prognosis?
- How has the accident affected you physically and emotionally? Are there any limitations you’ve experienced since the accident?
- Have you spoken to other attorneys about your matter?
- Have you spoken with the insurance company involved in your case or given a recorded statement?
- Do you have medical coverage or car insurance? If so, what kind?
- Where do you work, what do you do for a living, and how long have you worked there?
- Have you ever been in any other accidents?
- Did you have any existing injuries before the accident?
Some questions may be difficult for you to answer. However, do your best to provide as much detail as possible, and always be honest. There’s no one right or wrong answer to these questions—every case is unique, and we’re just gathering the information we need to best help you.
Write Down Your Questions for the Injury Lawyer
Your injury consultation is also your chance to ask our attorneys any questions that you might have to assess our suitability for your case. Write down your questions beforehand and bring them to our meeting. Helpful questions might include:
- What is your background and experience in law?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine before?
- What results have you achieved in cases similar to mine?
- How much do you charge, and how do you structure your legal fees?
- How does it work if I decide to end the attorney-client relationship?
- How will you primarily communicate with me, and what is your availability?
Preparing for your initial consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer can make the process run efficiently. During the consultation, we’ll provide plenty of opportunities to explore your questions in depth. No question is too small or too complex, and our goal is to make the consultation as informative, low-pressure, and stress-free as possible.
You Are Ultimately in Charge of Your Personal Injury Case
While you may feel intimidated going into your first consultation, always remember that you are in charge of your injury claim. When you select an attorney, you are hiring them to do a job. The personal injury lawyer you meet with will decide if they will take your case, but you are in control. This is not just their opportunity to assess your case; it’s your chance to interview your potential legal representative.
Going into your consultation with this understanding can empower you to communicate openly, speak confidently, and feel more comfortable engaging in this unfamiliar territory.
Additional Consultation FAQs
In the following section, we answer some of the most common questions about your initial consultation with our firm.
How Much Is a Consultation With a Lawyer?
We offer 100% free consultations and work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
How Soon After an Accident Should I Meet with a Lawyer?
It’s best to meet with our lawyers as soon as possible. New York generally has a three-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, and early action can help protect key evidence and your rights. You don’t have to wait until things have settled down to seek our help. With offices throughout NYC, we can even meet you at the hospital if needed.
What Should I Expect During the Consultation?
We’ll review your accident details, go over any paperwork, and answer your questions. Expect to be treated with compassion and respect. We understand you may be facing one of the toughest times in your life, and we’re here to listen, guide you forward, and protect your interests.
Call Us for Help With a Personal Injury Case Today
If you were injured in New York, call Shulman & Hill for legal assistance at 212-221-1000. Our personal injury law firm provides free initial consultations that allow us to get to know prospective clients and discuss their legal options for recovering compensation. If you are seeking an attorney for a legal matter, you can get answers to questions today to help you decide if hiring legal representation is right for you.
