What to Bring with You to Your FREE Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to an accident, you’re likely grappling with a whirlwind of emotions and questions. Dealing with medical treatment, medical bills, and insurance paperwork can be overwhelming on its own, but considering legal action adds an entirely new layer of stress. That’s why a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney is such an important stepping stone—it allows you to take that first move toward protecting your rights and pursuing justice.

Scheduling a consultation is easy—but knowing what to bring can be challenging. While your attorney will guide you, coming prepared ensures a productive meeting that moves your case in the right direction. 

Accident or Incident Reports

Accident or incident reports are an essential piece of the puzzle. If you were in a car accident, for example, you might have a police report documenting the scene, statements from witnesses, and observations from the responding officer.

If you were injured elsewhere—such as a slip-and-fall at a business—ask the property owner or store manager if an incident report was created.

These reports provide a clear, unbiased summary of what happened and often include critical pieces of information, such as:

• Contact information for any witnesses


• Details about the conditions leading to the incident


• Notes on immediate injuries or damages

Make copies of any reports you have received from law enforcement or other entities. If you’re unsure whether a report exists, don’t worry—the attorney can help track this down.

Medical Records and Bills

Your medical records establish the extent of your injuries, the treatment you’ve received, and any ongoing care you may need. These details are crucial for assessing the strength of your case and calculating potential damages.

Bring as much of the following as you can collect:

• Emergency room records


• Hospital or clinic discharge documents


• Treatment summaries from doctors


• Physical therapy or rehabilitation records

Additionally, bring any bills or receipts for medical expenses, such as:

• Ambulance transportation


• Prescriptions


• Over-the-counter medical supplies

Your medical documents tell the story of how this injury has affected your health and life, and having a complete record helps the attorney understand the full impact.

Insurance Information

Insurance plays a significant role in many personal injury cases, whether it’s your own policy or the at-fault party’s insurance. If you have copies of your insurance policy, declarations page, or any claim-related paperwork, bring those to the consultation.

If your injury involved a vehicle, include:

• Auto insurance policy documents


• Any communication from your insurance company or the other driver’s insurer

For injuries in other situations, such as premises liability cases, you might include:

• Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies


• Insurance communication from property owners

It’s also helpful to bring any claim numbers associated with your case. Providing this information upfront allows the attorney to better understand the coverage available and whether there are gaps that need to be addressed.

Photos and Videos

Visual evidence can be incredibly powerful in personal injury cases. Photos and videos often reveal details that might be difficult to explain in words alone. If you have captured any images or footage from the scene or of your injuries, be sure to bring these to your evaluation.

Some examples include:

• Pictures of the accident scene (vehicle damage, road conditions, hazards)


• Photos of visible injuries (cuts, bruises, surgical scars)


• Video testimonials from witnesses

If you didn’t take any photos immediately after the incident, consider documenting your injuries now, as these visuals may still assist your attorney in proving your case.

Correspondence Related to the Incident

Accidents often generate a paper trail, from emails to formal letters and beyond. Gather any letters, emails, or messages pertaining to the incident. This could include:

• Correspondence with insurance companies


• Emails exchanged with property owners or managers


• Letters from your employer (especially if you missed work due to your injury)

Organizing this documentation helps paint a timeline of events and ensures the attorney understands all relevant communications and updates.

Proof of Income and Work Missed

If you’ve been unable to work because of your injuries, bring documentation to show how your income has been affected. This might include:

• Pay stubs or direct deposit records from before the injury


• Documentation from your employer confirming missed work


• Tax returns showing annual income

Loss of income is a critical factor in personal injury claims. Preparing these documents will allow the attorney to calculate both past and future lost wages should you require extended time away from your job.

A Written Account of the Incident

While the details of an accident may feel impossible to forget, memories can fade over time—or become difficult to articulate under stress. Before your consultation, take some time to write a thorough account of what happened, including:

• The date, location, and time of the incident


• The circumstances leading up to the event


• What you experienced during and after the incident

This written account will help jog your memory during the consultation, making it easier to relay important details. If you’re unsure of certain facts, that’s okay—bring what you do know, and the attorney can assist in piecing together the rest.

Witness Contact Information

Witnesses can play a critical role in supporting your personal injury claim. If someone saw your accident happen, their testimony could help validate your version of events and provide an unbiased account of what occurred. Be sure to bring any names, phone numbers, or emails you collected from people who were at the scene. If you didn’t get contact information right away, think about who might have been nearby—passersby, bystanders, or employees in the area. 

Even brief observations made by witnesses can be valuable to your case. Your attorney may reach out to gather statements or clarify details. Their input can strengthen your claim and help hold the responsible party accountable, so identifying witnesses early is incredibly helpful.

Receipts or Proof of Expenses

Your injury likely caused unexpected costs, and keeping track of these expenses helps show the financial burden you’ve endured. Beyond medical bills, keep track of any out-of-pocket expenses tied to your injury. These might include:

• Mileage for trips to the doctor or therapy


• Parking fees at hospitals or clinics


• Childcare costs while you attended appointments

Document these costs if your injuries disrupted daily life—such as requiring childcare or household help—too. Every expense tied to your accident counts, no matter how small. These records provide a clear picture of how much your injury has affected you financially and make it easier for your attorney to seek appropriate compensation. Staying organized with these receipts not only shows economic damages but can also highlight how the injury has disrupted your routine and well-being.

Relevant Legal Documents

If you’ve already taken steps related to your case (such as filing a claim), bring copies of relevant legal documents. Examples include:

• Notices from insurance companies denying a claim


• Signed contracts with other attorneys (if applicable)


• Subpoenas or court documents

These documents reveal key developments in your case and help your attorney understand where things stand. If you haven't received anything official but suspect legal challenges ahead, sharing context about past interactions with insurers or other parties can also be useful. 

Even if you’re unsure whether a document matters, bring it along—it’s better to have too much than too little. A clear legal timeline equips your attorney to develop strategies that protect your rights.

Your Questions

A free case evaluation isn’t just about your attorney learning about your case—it’s also a chance for you to ask questions, voice concerns, and better understand the legal process. Take time before your meeting to write down any questions you have. There’s no such thing as a “bad” question. A good attorney will answer your inquiries with honesty and care, empowering you to make informed decisions moving forward.

To help you make the most of your evaluation, here’s a list of questions to ask your lawyer during your free case evaluation. These questions will help you understand your legal rights, the potential timelines and outcomes for your case, and the attorney’s approach to handling it.

Questions about your case

• What types of compensation might I be entitled to in my case?


• What is the strength of my case?


• What evidence do I need to gather or provide moving forward?


• Are there any challenges or issues that could come up in my case?

Questions about the attorney’s process 

• Have you handled cases similar to mine before? What was the outcome?


• What is your strategy for cases like mine?
  What steps will you take immediately after our evaluation?


• How long do these types of cases usually take?


• Who will be handling my case? Will it be you or someone else in your office?

Questions about communication

• How will I be kept informed about the progress of my case?


• What’s the best way for me to reach you?


• How quickly should I expect responses to my calls or emails?

Questions about costs and fees 

• How does your payment structure work?


• Are there any additional costs I should be aware of if you take my case?


• If I lose my case, will I owe any fees?

Questions about your role in the process 

• What will you need from me during the case?


• What should I avoid doing while my case is ongoing?

Questions about outcomes 

• What are the possible outcomes of my case?


• What does the negotiation process usually involve?


• What happens if my case goes to trial? How likely is that?

Questions about support and guidance 

• If I have questions or concerns during the case, who can I talk to?


• Can you help connect me to other resources I might need?


• What have past clients in situations like mine found helpful?

Why Being Prepared Matters

Coming to your free case evaluation prepared is one of the best ways to help your attorney help you. Clear, organized documentation provides the foundation for a strong case. It allows the legal team to assess your situation more accurately and begin working toward a resolution that meets your needs.

Remember, your first consultation is not a commitment but an important step toward understanding your rights and options. Whether it leads to legal action or simply provides clarity about your next steps, preparation ensures you make the most of this valuable time.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Facing the aftermath of a personal injury can be emotionally and physically draining. Seeking compensation through a personal injury claim can give you the financial support and peace of mind you need. Having a lawyer by your side makes all the difference in the outcome of your case. 

Being prepared for your free consultation can help your lawyer better determine the validity of your case and your chances of securing maximum compensation. By bringing key documents, pictures, and details to your free case evaluation, you’ll empower your attorneys to advocate for your rights and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf

At Goodman Acker P.C., we understand your challenges and are here to help. With a committed, compassionate team by your side, you can focus on healing while we take care of the legal process. Contact us today at (248) 831-1507 or through our online form for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to lend a listening ear and guide you toward justice.