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What to Expect From a Free Initial Legal Consultation

June 30, 2022

What to Expect From a Free Initial Legal Consultation

What-to-Expect-From-a-Free-Initial-Legal-Consultation

What would you do if you or a loved one sustained serious bodily injuries during an accident? You may need to consider talking to a trusted Whitby personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights and needs. At Michelle Linka Law, we offer a free initial consultation with a lawyer who will answer all your questions and discuss your legal options.

To ensure that you get the most value out of your time, our team of legal professionals has rounded a quick guide of what you can expect during your free initial legal advice for a personal injury claim and how best to prepare.

What Is a Free Initial Legal Consultation

A free legal consultation refers to the initial meeting between a personal injury lawyer and a client to discuss the issue and legal approach before hiring them. In Whitby, many personal injury firms offer this type of service to prospective clients, allowing you to explore your options without being charged for their time. Also, the lawyer will have the opportunity to determine if they can represent your case competently in court.

Purpose of Free Legal Consultation

Free legal consultation provides you with valuable information at no cost

Hiring a lawyer involves plenty of considerations. During the free consultation, both the potential client and lawyer get the chance to know whether they are a good fit before working together. Some accident victims are uncertain if they need legal guidance while others cannot afford to pay for legal services, but as a service to the Whitby community, it is our pleasure to offer valuable information to accident victims at no cost.

When Should You Consult a Lawyer

In many cases, people consult a lawyer after realizing they have a legal issue that requires some legal advice. Take, for instance, being contacted by a police officer who wants to “know their side of the story” or “clear up some issues.” In this situation, it is best to contact a lawyer before speaking with a police officer. During the interview, your statement will be written or recorded. If you say something wrong, your statement can be used against you. That is why it is advisable to consult a lawyer first so you are able to understand the risk before talking about your situation.

Is the Lawyer-Client Consultation Confidential?

While this concerns many people, lawyers ensure confidentiality during the consultation. The rule of lawyer-client privilege protects the confidentiality of communication. The Law Society’s Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit lawyers from divulging any sensitive information about their clients.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Free Initial Legal Consultation

  • Bring the Necessary Documents and Records

Preparing ahead of time is the best way to get the most out of your free consultation. Obtain copies of all necessary documents and records. Present them during the consultation since the lawyer can use the information to evaluate your claim. Depending on the specific circumstances, here are some of the essential documents you may want to present to the lawyer:

    • Written statements from witness
    • Medical records
    • Statement from your doctor
    • Photos of your injuries
    • Photos of the accident scene
    • Insurance records
  • Prepare Your Questions

List down all the questions you want to ask the lawyer during the initial consultation. Take the opportunity and do not hesitate to ask about your rights and other legal concerns. Our lawyers will do everything to provide you with honest and straightforward answers.

Here are some helpful questions that you may want to include on your list:

    • How long does a personal injury case usually take to settle?
    • How much compensation can I expect to recover from my injuries?
    • Have you handled cases similar to mine?
    • How much will I spend to bring my personal injury claim?

How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Competency is a crucial factor in choosing a personal injury lawyer

Establishing a lawyer-client relationship is crucial. Be sure to choose the right lawyer who you trust and feel comfortable with. Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a personal injury claims lawyer:

  • Years of experience and proven track record in winning accident benefit claims
  • Level-headed and treats their clients with respect
  • Honest about the costs and the possibility of success in achieving your legal goals

Have Realistic Expectations

When seeking legal help, it is important to understand that lawyers are not miracle workers. Hiring a personal injury lawyer does not automatically guarantee that you win your case. The best way to approach an initial consultation is with an open mind and realistic expectations. Make sure to ask about the potential results and pay attention to what the lawyer has to say. Understand that consulting several lawyers may yield different answers. However, do not let these answers confuse you. Instead, use them to give you insight into who to trust and not just someone who is trying to convince you to hire them. Having realistic expectations can help you hire a lawyer who will deliver results.

We understand that clients want to quickly obtain compensation for the injuries they sustained during the accident.  However, personal injury claims can years, depending on the complexity of the case. Be realistic when it comes to the timeline and never hesitate to ask questions if you are unsure.

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Also, have realistic expectations as to the potential cost associated with the legal procedure. Ask how much you need to pay upfront and the time duration allotted to pay the remainder. At Michelle Linka Law, you don’t pay any legal fees unless we recover money for you. Our maximum contingency fee is 35% plus HST.

Make sure to understand the terms and conditions before signing the contract. Take time to look around to widen your selection even if you find a lawyer you like and trust. This will help you evaluate the quoted cost for the services of the lawyer. If you think that the legal service cost is too high, make an offer—some personal injury lawyers are willing to negotiate.

Michelle Link Law is more than ready to handle your case. We understand the consequences of serious injuries which is why we make it our priority to help accident victims receive all of the benefits available to help them get back to their life. Call us today at (905) 448-7810 to book a free legal consultation.

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