9 Things You Should Know About a Free Lawyer Consultation In Columbia, MO

Stephen Schultz | March 15, 2024 | Personal Injury

Visiting a lawyer’s office for a consultation? A consultation has several purposes. There, you will discuss your case, assess your legal options, and decide whether the lawyer with whom you will meet is a good fit. Here are nine things you should know about a free lawyer consultation in Columbia, Missouri.

1. You Should Come to the Consultation Prepared

Be ready to discuss the details of your case. This helps the lawyer assess your case and make informed recommendations. If you were involved in a car accident, the lawyer would want to know how the accident occurred. The lawyer will ask about the date, time, and location.

Bring any relevant documents with you, including:

A copy of the police report
Photographs of the scene of the accident
Photographs of the damage to the car and any physical injuries
Any medical records relating to your personal injuries
Details of your insurance
Pay stubs from your employer if the injury has affected your ability to work
Information about any witnesses to the accident
Any correspondence you have received from insurance companies and any medical providers

2. You Will Have the Opportunity to Decide Whether the Lawyer Is a Good Fit

A free consultation is a perfect opportunity to see if the Missouri lawyer is a good fit. Research the lawyer’s qualifications, including experience in personal injury law, track record of success, reputation, and reviews.

The lawyers at Schultz and Myers have over 100 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $100 million for their clients. The lawyers have been recognized in the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and the firm has received a Martindale-Hubbell AV rating.

3. You Will Learn About the Applicable Law and Likely Outcomes

Once the lawyer learns the details of your case, he or she will discuss the applicable law. The law on personal injury can be complex, and personal injury lawyers understand how the law will affect your situation.

The lawyer will explain all the options at your disposal. For example, your lawyer may recommend that you negotiate a settlement with an insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit in court. As the client, the decision is ultimately yours.

4. You Will Learn the Lawyer’s Assessment of Damages

If you go to the consultation prepared, your lawyer can provide an initial assessment of damages. Damages are money awarded as compensation for a loss. They include costs resulting from the accident, such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.

5. You Should Ask Any Questions or Concerns About Your Case

The consultation is a perfect opportunity to ask the lawyer any questions or concerns you have about your case. Your lawyer’s answers will provide the information you need and give you a sense of your lawyer’s communication style.

6. You Will Learn About Legal Fees and Billing

At the consultation, you will likely discuss how the lawyers will get paid for representing you. Generally, lawyers charge clients by the hour. However, personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis. This means the lawyer will only get paid if the case has a successful outcome.

A successful outcome can mean that the lawyer has reached a settlement or the case went to trial and the jury awarded damages. If your case is successful, the lawyer will receive a percentage of the recovery. That percentage will be outlined in your agreement for services.

7. Time Is Running Out—There Is a Statute of Limitations to Remember

Every claim has a statute of limitations—a deadline to file the lawsuit, including the claim. The lawsuit cannot be brought if it is not filed by the deadline. Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Missouri is five years.

8. You Will Learn About the Attorney-Client Privilege

At the consultation, you will learn that the attorney-client privilege protects any conversations between you and your lawyer.

9. You Will Leave With a to-do List

The first item on your to-do list is whether you will hire a lawyer. The lawyer will inform you about the next steps in your case, which may include gathering additional evidence.

Once you leave the lawyer’s office, you will have a clear understanding of your case and the potential courses of action.