If You’ve Taken Independent Steps Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Legal Tips & Resources

If you recently filed a personal injury lawsuit and decided to give representing yourself a shot, you probably realized just how infeasible this approach is. Lawyers study for years to learn all the ins and outs of the legal process. It is simply too much for an average person to undertake this challenge and there is nothing to be ashamed about being overwhelmed by it all. However, you may be worried about how your independent steps will affect your case when you finally do decide to get an attorney. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about this matter.

What You Should Do

The most important thing for you to do is to hire an attorney as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the less time your attorney will have to prepare before the trial. If you are still on the fence about hiring an attorney, it is best to start making calls today.

You should always speak with an attorney before hiring him or her. Most attorneys happily consult with people before an agreement is made. You should feel comfortable with whichever attorney you hire. More importantly, however, you should feel confident in your attorney’s ability to represent you.

Once you have hired an attorney, you should gather absolutely everything you have related to the case. Do not omit anything, as you cannot know what piece of information or document will end up being important. Having taken steps independently should not affect your case too significantly if you are able to get your new attorney completely caught up. Here are a few things people forget to bring to their attorney:

  • All communication with the defendant
  • All legal documents you have signed
  • All notes you have taken about your case
  • All pictures you may have taken
  • All bills from medical providers, including insurance documents
  • All receipts from purchases related to the injury

In addition to all these documents, it is a good idea to bring a list of questions you have for your attorney to your first meeting.

After the Trial Has Begun

If your case has already gone to court when you decide to hire an attorney, then it is even more important to hire one as quickly as you can. You should not worry about it being too late, as it is almost never too late. You will need to get permission from the judge to bring on an attorney, like a personal injury lawyer in Des Moines IA, although this permission is almost always given. The only time the request may be denied is if your case is very nearly about to end.

Thank you to the experts at Des Moines Injury Law for their insight into personal injury law.