It is important to know that only one is at fault in traffic accidents. Even if the situation seems clear to laymen, often a complicity of the alleged victim is established in court. To negotiate this complicity in court and possibly to prove or disprove it by witnesses is almost impossible for a layman.
Which legal advice is suitable for you?
A piece of advice can also help you, depending on the case. At the very least, important questions can be clarified through consultation and a strategy discussed together. An initial interview is also important so that you can get an impression of your lawyer and decide whether you want to transfer the mandate or not. You have various options for advice to choose from. For example, these lawyers in Atlanta can give you a bit of advice for almost every case.
In order for the initial meeting to be as efficient as possible, the following points should already be considered in advance:
- Put all the documents together and take them to the office.
- Also, think of any existing policy of your legal expenses insurance.
- Take notes on questions that you want to ask so that you do not forget anything.
- Think of everything that might be relevant: letters, notes, printed e-mail, telephone lists, etc. Bring more than enough.
- If possible, create a chronological overview, which contains the individual important points of the facts. This will help your lawyer get along faster.
- Do witnesses matter? If so, create a list of all contact information.
When you meet with your lawyer, you too can help to make joint cooperation a success. Effective collaboration always depends on both sides.
Already at the first meeting, you can prepare well:
- Bring all documents that relate to the facts, such as contracts or correspondence with the opposing side.
- Also, use the material to review all the details and facts of the case and to take notes as needed, or to ask the attorney what you want him to ask you.
- Maybe you have some sort of diary about the facts and can give the lawyer important data?
- Can you name witnesses who can substantiate your information?
When you first visit your lawyer, it is important to mention all relevant facts, even if they may seem insignificant at first. The lawyer will decide what facts he can use for his defense strategy. In addition, it is always important that the lawyer knows all the details so that he can take a consistent and convincing defense. It would be very uncomfortable if, for example, the opposing attorney in court suddenly put facts on the table of which you have never mentioned anything to your lawyer. So it’s always in your interest to be open and honest with the lawyer.
There are also legal aspects you should consider:
- A lawsuit always has deadlines. If you submit certain evidence too late, they will no longer be considered. So do not waste valuable time here.
- In the second instance, it is usually no longer possible to present new facts. What is not known until then can not play any role in the defense.
At the first meeting, you also have the opportunity to inquire about the lawyer’s fees. Do you own legal expenses insurance? Then point this out to your lawyer and bring the appropriate insurance documents right into the office.
A successful case processing requires a working collaboration between client and lawyer. Although the lawyer takes on legal representation, you also need to work with him to ensure that he has full representation. Of course, this includes talking openly and honestly about the facts as well as not hiding details and facts. It is ultimately in your interest to familiarize the lawyer with the details of the case.
Further tips for the initial consultation
This consultation is important in order to get to know each other firstly and secondly so that the most important points concerning the further procedure can be discussed. First, the lawyer listens to you in the case report (do not omit important details!). Afterward, listen to your lawyer as he suggests solutions.
Put your lawyer in the picture
Of course, to get your lawyer to help you effectively and successfully, you need to know “what’s up”. It does not help anyone, least of all you, to talk about things or keep facts secret. So be honest with yourself and your lawyer. Do not worry that your lawyer could talk to your third party about your case. He is legally bound to secrecy. You can not only talk, but also present. Namely documents, letters, documents, printed emails, photos; just everything that belongs to the case and what in any way can be relevant for case processing. Just show your lawyer everything, he will decide for himself what is relevant.
Clear goals, clear answers
Tell the lawyer very clearly what you hope for from his advice and representation. what is your goal? Maybe you just want him to send a letter to a difficult neighbor for you to come to his senses. You may also want to sue your neighbor for failure and the attorney should enforce this claim in court. If the lawyer knows what you want, he will be able to tell you how to get it. Of course, the solution at the first meeting can’t be presented down to the last detail. This is, even more, the case, the more complex the case. Here it is only necessary to deal comprehensively with the facts before solutions can be worked out. But a rough direction with the associated chances of success is possible in any case.
Ask for the cost
Do not be afraid to address the cost issue and to be informed in this regard. If the conversation is overall satisfactory, you can give the lawyer the mandate and sign the associated declaration of authority.