What to Expect During a Free Attorney Consultation
At the end of each of our posts, we encourage you to contact us for a “free attorney consultation.” But what, exactly, happens during one of these meetings? What sorts of questions will you be asked, and what information do you need to bring along? In this article, we will help you understand what to expect during a free attorney consultation and how you can best prepare.
Why Do Attorneys Offer Free Consultations?
The free attorney consultation is offered by many lawyers as a means of protecting both themselves and you. First of all, it allows the attorney to evaluate your situation and determine if you have a case worth taking. In the event that an attorney feels your case is not strong enough to pursue, they will not be risking their time and money and, since the meeting is free, nor will you.
Second of all, the free attorney consultation allows the potential client to determine if he or she wants to continue working with a particular firm. Your rapport with your lawyer is extremely important in attaining a successful outcome. If you do not feel you can talk openly with your attorney or have other misgivings during your free consultation, you can consider other options without having already invested any money.
What Happens During a Free Legal Consultation?
The free attorney consultation is, essentially, a way for you and your potential lawyer to get to know one another before making a commitment. Keep in mind that your lawyer will not be giving you specific legal advice or outcome projections during this meeting. Rather, the consultation is meant to help you decide if you should pursue legal action in general.
During the free legal consultation, an attorney will ask you questions about your accident and review documentation. Be as honest as possible. Although you are not yet officially represented by this lawyer, the information you provide is still protected under attorney client privilege. Let the attorney know if you are feeling anxious or stressed. Again, a good relationship with your lawyer is essential in facilitating a positive experience and overall outcome.
Prepare for a Free Lawyer Consultation
Before you attend your free attorney consultation, gather all available documentation, including:
- Medical bills
- Insurance communications
- Police Reports
- Photographs/video evidence
- Witness statements and/or contact information
It is also a good idea to write down questions that you have for the attorney you are consulting with. You may feel somewhat overwhelmed during the process, and you don’t want to forget anything. These include questions about the attorney’s personal style and process as well as reasonable expectations for your case’s progression. You may want to include the following questions for your attorney during your free case evaluation:
- What is your legal area of expertise?
- Do you think I have a winning case?
- How long could my case take to resolve?
- What legal procedures will you use to settle my case?
- Who, specifically, would be taking my case?
- Why should I choose your firm over another?
- Have you dealt with a case like mind in the past and won?
- What is your fee structure like?*
*Many personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means they will not charge you any money until you have settled your case. Like the free attorney consultation, this is a way to alleviate the pressure of deciding whether or not to pursue legal action. Your attorney’s commission is dependent upon winning the case, so you can be assured they are not taking simply for the fee.
You can learn more about Roth Group’s contingency fee approach and other processes by visiting our FAQs page.
Free Personal Injury Attorney Consultation in Denver
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another, please contact Dave Roth with the Roth Group. Dave is a highly experienced and compassionate personal injury attorney who is dedicated to his clients and their families. He will be happy to discuss the details of your case and help you decide whether or not to move forward with your case. Call or go online today to get started.