9 Things You Should Know About a Free Lawyer Consultation in Waycross

January 9, 2024 | J.L. King, II

A free initial consultation with a lawyer is an opportunity to understand if you have a case and your legal options. It’s also a chance to decide if you want the lawyer to represent you. After your consultation, you should have the information you need to decide how to proceed with your injury case.

Here are some important things you should know to get the most out of your consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Waycross, Atlanta.

1. You Are Not Obligated to Hire the Lawyer

You are not obligated to hire a lawyer or law firm after a free consultation. The purpose of the consultation is to give you an honest legal assessment of your case. You get to decide if you want to proceed with any legal action and whether you want the attorney to represent you.

2. Lawyers Are Not Obligated to Accept Every Case

Just as you are not required to hire a lawyer, keep in mind the lawyer may decline to accept your case.

There are many reasons a lawyer or law firm may not take your case, such as:

There is inadequate evidence to prove liability
The attorney has a conflict of interest
The case does not have enough value to justify hiring a lawyer
The lawyer does not handle your type of case
The lawyer has too high a caseload to take on another case
The statute of limitations for your claim has expired

This does not necessarily mean you do not have a case, either. You can ask why the lawyer is declining your case and if they can recommend another law firm that may be able to help.

3. You Are Protected by Confidentiality

Even though you have not hired a lawyer to represent you, confidentiality still applies to your consultation. You should feel comfortable speaking honestly and openly about your accident. That means you shouldn’t be afraid to say if you were texting when the accident happened, for example. The lawyer will need the full details of your accident to give you objective legal advice.

4. The Consultation Is an Opportunity to Interview the Lawyer

Your free consultation is more than the chance to get a legal assessment of your case; it’s also an opportunity to decide if you want this lawyer to represent you.

You may want to do basic research on the lawyer, checking online reviews before your consultation.

During the consultation, consider how you feel about the lawyer, whether you feel comfortable discussing your case, and your confidence in their ability to represent you.

Bring any evidence or documentation related to your case to your consultation, including:

Video or photographs
Police reports or accident reports
ER or doctor’s notes
MRI or x-ray results
Tickets or citations
Notes you have taken about your accident and injuries

This documentation will help the lawyer understand your case in greater detail, give you a more accurate assessment of your options, and develop a strategy if you decide to proceed.

6. Write Down Questions You Have Before Your Consultation

Before you meet with the lawyer, it’s a good idea to have a list of questions ready.

You may want to ask about:

What you should expect after the consultation
Likely outcomes for your injury case
How legal fees will be handled
How your medical care will be paid for
How long your case is likely to take

Going into the consultation with a list of questions and concerns you have will help you make the most of your limited time.

7. It’s Helpful to Write Down a Summary of What You Remember

With limited time for your consultation, you will probably find it helpful to write down a detailed account of your accident. Include as many details as possible. This will help you document this information while the memory is still fresh and make it easier for the lawyer to assess your injury case.

8. There’s a Deadline to File a Claim in Your Case

You have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit after your injury. During the consultation, the lawyer can help you understand how the statute of limitations affects your case.

9. Personal Injury Lawyers Usually Work on a Contingency Fee Basis

Personal injury cases are usually handled on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay attorney’s fees unless they recover compensation for you. If your claim is successful, the attorney’s fees are taken from the settlement or award.

Contact our Waycross Personal Injury Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love has been hurt in an accident and you think someone else was to blame, contact a personal injury lawyer. The attorney will listen to your story during your free consultation and help you understand your options.

Contact The King Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.

Tifton Office
1603 US Hwy 41, Tifton, GA 31794
(229) 386-1376

Griffin Office
3317 Fayetteville Rd, Griffin, GA 30223
(404) 567-4546

Macon Office
886 Mulberry St, Macon, GA 31201
(478) 312-5550

Or if you would prefer to reach out to us online, please visit our contact us page.