If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident, you may feel overwhelmed by medical bills, insurance companies, or even just piecing your life back together. The good news is that you don’t have to face this alone. Seeking legal guidance can make a world of difference in protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Brian and Brian Pistotnik Law, your trusted car accident lawyers near Wichita, we know your first meeting with a lawyer can feel daunting. To help ease your mind, we’ve outlined what you can expect and how to prepare for this crucial step in your recovery.
Why Consult a Car Accident Lawyer?
After a car accident, there are often many layers — medical bills, lost wages, insurance policies, pain and suffering, and possibly even emotional trauma. A skilled car accident lawyer helps untangle all of these complexities, providing a clear path forward to help you regain control.
Our role is to represent your best interests, deal with the tactics of insurance companies, and advocate for the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Preparing for Your First Meeting
To make the most of your initial consultation, it’s a good idea to come prepared. Here’s what to gather and bring along:
- Accident Report: If you filed a police report at the scene, bring a copy. If you don’t have it, we will get a copy for you.
- Photos or Videos: Images of the accident scene, vehicle damage, or any visible injuries can help establish the facts.
- Medical Records: Bring the names of your healthcare providers or hospitals of any treatments for injuries incurred from the accident. We will gather the medical records and bills, so you don’t have to.
- Insurance Information: Include copies of your insurance policy and any correspondence with your insurer since the accident. Bring the name of the other driver/s and their insurer/s.
- Contact Details of Witnesses: If anyone witnessed the accident, their statements could strengthen your case.
- Video: Look around the accident scene to see if any nearby businesses may have video of your collision. We will work on getting that video.
Having these documents and information on hand allows your lawyer to better assess your situation right from the start.
What Happens During Your First Meeting?
During the meeting, your lawyer will listen carefully to your account of the accident and discuss your concerns. This is an opportunity for them to understand:
- What happened during the accident
- The severity of your physical injuries and emotional distress
- The financial losses you’ve suffered, including medical bills and lost income
Next, your lawyer will explain the legal process step by step, outlining possible strategies for your case. At Brian and Brian, we pride ourselves on providing clear, jargon-free guidance, ensuring you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
At Brian and Brian, you get help from an attorney, not a case intake person or case manager. These job titles are for people working at “mill” injury firms where the lawyers are too lazy to even take the time to get to know you. They have so many clients that the attorneys don’t even know who you are. If you hear these titles, find a different law firm.
The Lawyer’s Role: What to Expect Moving Forward
Once you hire a car accident lawyer, they become your advocate, shouldering the legal burdens so you can focus on healing. Here are some key areas they’ll handle for you:
- Investigation: Gather evidence and consult with experts to strengthen your claim.
- Negotiation: Dealing with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement, so you don’t have to.
- Litigation (if needed): Representing you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
- Handling the insurance companies: When you are in a wreck, there are at least two insurance companies to deal with, sometimes more. Each insurance company has multiple adjusters handling different aspects of the claim. There is a “liability” adjuster figuring out fault. There is a “PIP” adjuster handling no-fault benefits. There is a “bodily injury” adjuster trying to limit what they will pay you or trying to low ball your settlement for your injury. There is a “property damage” adjuster only involved in handling your vehicle damages. We handle dealing with all these multiple phone calls, and we PROTECT you while providing them with information.
Your lawyer will also help set realistic expectations about the timeline for your case, as legal proceedings can take time, depending on the complexity.
How to Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer in Wichita
Finding a lawyer who is experienced, compassionate, and well-versed in local laws is critical. When selecting a legal representative, ask questions such as:
- How long have you been practicing personal injury law?
- Have you handled similar car accident cases in Wichita?
- What is your success rate with cases like mine?
At Brian and Brian, we bring over 70 years of combined experience and a proven track record of helping clients across Kansas secure fair compensation after accidents.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
Your well-being and peace of mind matter, and you deserve strong legal support during this challenging time. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, don’t wait to seek the guidance you deserve. Contact Brian and Brian today, your trusted car accident lawyers near Wichita.
Schedule your free consultation by sending us a message online or calling us at 316-689-8035! Protect your rights and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve. Time is of the essence — reach out to us now.