Consultation Questions for Client
When meeting a potential personal injury auto accident client in Maryland, it’s essential to gather comprehensive information to evaluate the case effectively and strategize accordingly. Here are key questions to ask during the initial consultation:
- Full Name and Contact Details: What is your full name, and how can I contact you (phone number, email, address)?
- Date and Location of the Accident: When and where did the accident occur?
- Driver Status: Were you the driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist?
- Accident Description: Can you provide a detailed account of how the accident happened?
- Weather and Road Conditions: What were the weather and road conditions like at the time of the accident?
- Police Report: Was a police report filed? If so, do you have a copy or remember the officer’s name?
- Witnesses: Were there any witnesses to the accident? Do you have their contact information?
- Photos/Videos: Do you have any photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, or your injuries?
- Immediate Medical Attention: Did you receive medical treatment at the scene or shortly after? If so, where and by whom?
- Nature of Injuries: What injuries did you sustain, and have you received a formal diagnosis from a medical professional?
- Ongoing Symptoms: Are you still experiencing pain or symptoms from the injuries?
- Medical Treatment: What medical treatment have you received since the accident (e.g., hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy)?
- Medical Records: Do you have copies of your medical records and bills related to your treatment?
- Work Impact: Have your injuries affected your ability to work or perform job duties? If so, for how long have you been unable to work?
- Daily Activities: How have your daily activities been affected by your injuries? Are there things you could do before that you can’t do now?
- Permanent Impairments: Have any medical professionals indicated that you might have permanent injuries or disabilities?
- Your Insurance Coverage: What type of auto insurance coverage do you have (e.g., liability, PIP, uninsured/underinsured motorist)?
- Other Party’s Insurance: Do you have the insurance details of the other driver(s) involved in the accident?
- PIP Coverage: Did you use Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage for your initial medical expenses?
- Communication with Insurance: Have you already spoken to any insurance companies? If so, what have you discussed?
- Fault Admission: Did anyone at the scene admit fault or suggest who might have been responsible for the accident?
- Traffic Violations: Were any citations issued to you or any other party involved in the accident?
- Contributory Factors: Is there any possibility that you might be found partially at fault for the accident?
- Prior Claims: Have you filed any other personal injury claims in the past?
- Existing Legal Representation: Have you previously been represented by another attorney for this case or related matters?
- Settlements: Have you received any settlement offers from the insurance company? If so, what were the terms?
- Desired Outcome: What are you hoping to achieve through this case (e.g., compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering)?
- Understanding of the Process: Do you have any questions or concerns about how the legal process works?
- Timeline Expectations: Do you have any specific time frames for when you’d like the case resolved?
- Any Other Relevant Details: Is there anything else you think is important for me to know about the accident or your injuries?
Basic Information
Details of the Accident
Injury Details
Impact on Life
Insurance Information
Liability Questions
Previous Legal Action
Goals and Expectations
Additional Information
Document Requests
At the end of the interview, let the client know what documents they should provide, such as:
- Medical records and bills
- Repair estimates for vehicle damage
- Insurance policy details
- Copies of any communication with insurance companies or other involved parties
Call the law office of Caroline Norman Frost for a free consultation.