Need Legal Help for Your Business? Find It Here
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Need Legal Help for Your Business? Find It Here

When my husband I decided to start a business, we didn't think about the legal aspects of doing so. We didn't realize that purchasing business insurance, getting building permits and making investments all required some type of legal advice. But after speaking to a close friend, who also happens to own a small business, we contacted a business attorney. Now, we have the legal smarts to make the best decisions for our business, as well as the legal representation in case something happens to our company. I hope that you find my blog helpful and informative for your own business. It's a great resource for finding the legal advice, resources and guidance you need to get your company up and running.

Need Legal Help for Your Business? Find It Here

Meeting With A Personal Injury Lawyer? 2 Things To Bring With You And Why

Ronnie Mills

If you were involved in a car accident that left you with serious injuries, you might be thinking about filing a personal injury lawsuit to recoup some of your expenses. However, in addition to dealing with debilitating injuries and recovering from emotional trauma, you and your lawyer will have the responsibility of proving your case. Here are two things you should bring with you when you meet with your lawyer for the first time, and how they can help: 

1: Police Reports

When you file a personal injury lawsuit, you have the burden of proof. This means you and your lawyer will have to show the other party showed neglect in some way, and their actions caused your injury. For example, if you were hit by a drunk driver, you might have to prove the driver was over their blood alcohol limit and the impact of the car was what caused your injuries. Fortunately, police reports can be an incredibly helpful piece of evidence when it comes to your personal injury case, and here is why:

  • Written Statements: After your accident, police officers will question witnesses and have them issue written statements. These documents can be especially helpful because they are usually written right after the wreck, when witnesses still remember small details that could affect your case.
  • Photos of the Accident: If anyone was seriously hurt or killed in the accident, police investigators might document the damage by taking photos. These pictures can prove the orientation of the cars, the extent of the damage, and even who caused the accident.
  • Witness Information: Police officers also gather and verify information about the witnesses' identities. This is important since your lawyer might subpoena witnesses to testify in court.

If you weren't able to get a copy of your accident report after your wreck, don't worry. In most places, you can download your report from state websites free of charge. In New York, for example, you can download a PDF of your original accident report as long as you are cited in the report or represent someone who is.

2: Medical Paperwork

Because medical bills will probably represent your largest expense after being involved in a car accident, it is important to bring all of your medical paperwork with you when you meet with a lawyer for the first time. The average car accident settlement typically equates to three times your total medical bills, but without that paperwork, your lawyer might not get you what you deserve. Here are a few important medical documents to round up before you meet with your lawyer:

  • Medical Insurance Explanation of Benefits: After you have received treatment for an injury, the hospital or doctors office will file your claim. Once your paperwork has been processed, your insurance company will issue you an explanation of benefits detailing what you owe and what the insurance company paid. Make sure to bring these papers along so your lawyer can check to make sure your injuries were coded and processed properly by medical staff.
  • Letters From Your Doctor: If your injuries are preventing you from working, you should get a note from your doctor explaining why. For example, if your car accident left you with nerve damage and you work as a writer, it might be hard for you to type. A letter from your doctor might show how your injury could affect your ability to earn future income, which could be factored into your case.  
  • Physical Therapy Documents: As you progress through physical therapy, keep copies of the exercise paperwork your therapist gives you. These documents can show you are doing your best to recover and prove you didn't cause extra damage by not following doctor's orders.  

Carefully gathering evidence for your lawyer might help you to avoid problems, expedite your filing, and win in court. Click here for info on finding a lawyer near you.


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