How to Prepare for Your First Meeting With a Personal Injury Lawyer
Meeting with a personal injury lawyer for the first time can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re already dealing with pain, stress, or the aftermath of a serious accident. At Auger Hollingsworth, we want you to know that your first meeting with us isn’t a test. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation. And you don’t need to have all the answers.
That said, there are a few things you can bring—and a few things you can think about—that will help us get a strong start on your case and make the process feel more comfortable for you.
- Bring Any Documents Related to Your Injury
We don’t expect you to have a perfectly organized folder of records. But anything you have on hand can help us get a clearer picture of what happened and what stage you’re at in your recovery. Examples include:
- Hospital discharge papers
- Emergency room notes
- Police or incident reports
- Accident benefits forms (if applicable)
- Correspondence from your insurer
- Photos of the scene or your injuries
- Names of any witnesses or involved parties
Don’t worry if you’re missing some of these—we can gather a lot of this information on your behalf after we’re hired.
- Make a List of What’s Changed Since the Injury
This is one of the most important parts of your case. Before the meeting, take a few minutes to write down (or think about) how your injury has affected your:
- Work or income
- Sleep or mobility
- Pain levels
- Ability to care for yourself or your family
- Emotional well-being
You don’t need to be dramatic—just honest. Even subtle changes can matter. This helps us understand the impact of the injury and gives us a baseline for your recovery.
- Know That It’s Okay Not to Know
We don’t expect you to have the timeline memorized or the paperwork perfect. If you don’t understand something, say so. If you forget a detail, that’s fine too. We’re here to help, not judge.
You’ll be meeting with a member of our legal team—likely a lawyer, licensed paralegal, or law clerk—who will guide the conversation, ask the right questions, and help you start building your case.
- Bring a Family Member or Friend (If You Want To)
If you feel more comfortable having someone with you during the meeting, that’s absolutely fine. A support person can help you remember details or ask questions you may not think of in the moment.
- Ask Questions—We Welcome Them
We expect you to have questions. In fact, we encourage it. This is your case, and you deserve to understand how we work, what to expect, and what your options are. Some good questions to ask might include:
- What happens next?
- How do legal fees work?
- How long will this take?
- Who will I hear from most often?
We’re Here to Make This Easier—Not Harder
Your first meeting with Auger Hollingsworth is the start of a team effort. We’ll listen carefully, explain clearly, and help you understand your rights and next steps. You don’t need to be perfectly prepared—just come as you are, and we’ll take it from there.
