Thursday, October 31, 2013

Consulting A New Orleans Personal Injury Lawyer: 5 Ways To Being Prepared

By Jae Vanis


If you've been injured in an accident, having an experienced attorney assist you is vital to recovering compensation for your medical treatment, property damage and more. When you schedule a consultation with a New Orleans personal injury lawyer, these five steps can help you be prepared for a productive first meeting.

Exchange Insurance if Possible

When someone has caused injuries to you or damages to your property in an accident, especially a car accident, getting their insurance information is the first step to take in getting compensation later.

For auto accidents, if the other driver keeps driving rather than staying at the scene, try to jot down details such as license plate, car color, and the make and model of the car.

Gather Evidence From Surroundings

Photos and video when the accident occurs aren't always your first thought. But they can be vital pieces of evidence. Snap pictures of the scene, your injuries, damage to your property and anything else that may seem useful in building a case for compensation. Having as much evidence as possible from the accident will assist you when meeting with an attorney and also when trying to get the maximum compensation possible.

Get Eyewitness Testimony

If there are individuals around you when you are involved in a personal injury case, ask for an eyewitness statement or report. Gathering eyewitness reports allows you to prove you are not at fault, helping to build a stronger case in your defense. Before seeking out a New Orleans personal injury lawyer it is ideal to get as many witness reports as possible.

Get a Police Report

If police were called to the scene of the accident, there will be a police report. Requesting a copy of that report is just as important as hiring a New Orleans personal injury lawyer to help with your case.

Requesting a police report is a way for you to solidify the evidence you have against another party that involves you. If there is not a police officer on the scene when you are injured, be sure to call to have the report officially documented for future reference in court.

Getting the Evidence in Order

Before meeting a New Orleans personal injury lawyer, there will be a lot of data to gather and organize. Put together a folder or binder that organizes any and all medical bills, records from hospital if you had to go, reports from the police, statements from eyewitnesses, and any photos or videos from the scene. This organization will help your attorney more quickly build your case.

The more organized you are in regards to your personal injury case, the less time and money you will have to spend on legal services and moving forward in court. Be sure to request all of the evidence possible before you even consult with an attorney. The more evidence you have to prove you are not at fault, the more likely you are to receive the compensation you request.

By utilizing the services of an experienced New Orleans personal injury lawyer, your chances of winning a lawsuit and maximizing the compensation you will be awarded are greatly improved. Get your evidence together and get with an attorney today to get the help you need to pay medical bills, repair your property and move on with your life without the financial problems that being in an accident can cause.




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