Begin with a factual timeline
Write down the date, location and a short description of the incident. Record the names of the people and businesses involved, if known. Separate what you personally observed from information you learned later.
This is not a substitute for an investigation or a legal conclusion about fault. It is a practical starting point for explaining your circumstances.
Keep the available records together
Save copies of records already in your possession. You do not need to obtain every possible document before contacting the office.
- Incident or police reports and report numbers.
- Photographs, available videos and witness contact information.
- Insurance correspondence, claim numbers and proposed agreements.
- A general timeline of care, expenses and time away from work.
Prepare the questions that matter to you
Ask what additional information is needed, what the evaluation will involve, how fees and costs would be handled and whether there are time-sensitive issues to consider. Let the office know if you need language assistance.
Do not send sensitive records in an initial website inquiry. Call or email with a brief summary, and ask the office how to share documents appropriately.
Do not use a checklist to decide your rights
This guide is general information. It does not determine liability, coverage, deadlines or the value of a claim. An individual legal evaluation is needed for those questions.
Illustrative image; not a client matter.
