After being injured in an accident, it is critical to reach out to a reputable Portsmouth personal injury attorney who can help with your case. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, initial consultations are always free and come with no obligation or risk to you. Most accident victims have a lot of questions about the personal injury process, such as what they should bring with them when meeting an attorney for the first time. To ensure you are prepared for your meeting and able to make the most of your free consultation, bring documents such as pictures of the accident scene, the police accident report, and your medical records if you have them available. Although these items are helpful, they are not required for your consultation. If we decide to take your case, we can help you obtain the necessary evidence and documents to support your case.
A Copy of Your Incident or Police Accident Report
If you were injured in a car accident, a police accident report should have been filed. If the accident occurred more than 10 days ago, you can purchase a copy to bring with you to your free consultation. If not, you can bring the information you gathered at the scene, such as the names and contact details of the other driver(s) involved in the crash along with their insurance information.
Your police accident report can be a valuable piece of evidence since it is written by the responding officer. It also contains other useful information, like whether or not anyone received a traffic citation.
If you were injured in a different type of accident, such as a trip-and-fall in a retail store, you should have been given a copy of the incident report. Having official documentation of your injury will help strengthen your case and increase your odds of recovering financial compensation.
Pictures of the Accident Scene and Your Injuries
Bring any pictures or videos you have of the scene of the accident, including any damage to your vehicle, visible injuries, bloody or ripped clothing, and anything else you feel is important. Photos and videos can help your Portsmouth personal injury attorney get a clear picture of your accident.
Total Loss Document or Repair Estimate
If you have a bill for repairs to your vehicle, a repair estimate, or a total loss document, bring it with you to your free consultation.
Your Medical Records
If your injury required medical treatment, bring a copy of your medical records related to your accident. These can include:
- Hospital records
- Proof of doctor appointments
- Proof of appointments with psychologists or therapists
- Receipts for prescription medications
- Any other bills associated with your injuries
Medical records prove the nature and severity of your injuries. Your Portsmouth personal injury attorney can help you obtain any additional medical records that will help support your claim.
Other Bills, Receipts, or Invoices Related to Your Injuries
Bring bills, receipts, or invoices for additional expenses arising from your injuries, like transportation to and from medical appointments or physical therapy costs, medical devices, in-home care, or other expenses. Itemized receipts are ideal for proving individual expenses.
Proof of Lost Wages
If your injuries caused you to miss work, whether it was just a few days or you are unable to return to work at all, you are entitled to pursue damages for the wages you have lost. To prove your lost wage claim, bring documentation such as:
- Bank statements and/or pay stubs
- A statement from your employer confirming the days or hours you missed
- Documentation showing any paid time off you used due to your recovery, such as personal days or sick days
- The previous year’s Wage and Tax Statement (W2)
What Questions Should I Ask?
Understandably, most personal injury victims have a lot of questions for their attorneys. Before your free consultation, it is a good idea to jot down any questions you have, such as:
- How long have you practiced in personal injury law?
- Do you specialize in personal injury cases?
- Who will be handling my case?
- What results have you achieved in similar cases?
- How long will my case take to resolve?
- What is your fee structure?
- Do you need any other information from me?
Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp
After being injured in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, it is important to seek legal representation right away. The experienced Portsmouth personal injury attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp have been successfully litigating major personal injury cases since 1985. Using our seven decades of combined experience, we can help you effectively navigate the legal process, build the strongest case possible, and fight for fair compensation for your damages. Our diligence and legal knowledge are what made it possible for us to secure a $1.6 million jury verdict for a client who experienced a seizure and traumatic brain injury after an ER doctor chose to overlook some of her symptoms. To schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys, call (833) 997-1774 or fill out our online contact form. Our offices are located in Portsmouth, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Hampton.
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For over twenty years, Mr. Sharp's law practice has focused on serious personal injury claims, including traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury claims. He also handles nursing home neglect cases and medical malpractice claims. Mr. Sharp has counseled numerous clients about the complexities concerning litigation of both pediatric and adult brain injury. Mr. Sharp has been awarded the AV Preeminent ranking by Martindale, the highly respected and widely utilized directory of lawyers throughout the world. AV Preeminent status is awarded only to those lawyers who achieve the highest level of success within the legal field and is a testament to the fact that a lawyer's peers and Judges rank him at the highest level of professional excellence. He has also been recognized as a "Best Lawyer" by U.S. News for personal injury, an accolade awarded to only a small fraction of lawyers. Mr. Sharp has also been recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the top personal injury lawyers in Virginia. This recognition is awarded only to those lawyers who have achieved the highest level of success and have been recognized by their peers as demonstrating the highest level of professional excellence.
