Suffering a traumatic brain injury can put immense strain on your emotional, physical, and financial well-being. Not only might you be straddled with exorbitant medical bills for the rest of your life, but the limitations stemming from your condition could also make it difficult to live independently and earn a living. If you were hurt in an accident caused by someone else, turn to our El Monte brain injury attorneys to find out how you could recover compensation for your losses. 

We offer free consultations, so you won’t pay a cent to get the information you need to make informed decisions about your case. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS to get started. 

Questions to Ask during Your Initial Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney 

Scheduling a consultation with an attorney will not only give you a window into the type of representation they provide but could also help you get answers to your questions and gain insight into the strengths of your claim. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we offer free consultations, and if you can’t come through to our offices, we will send our attorneys out to meet you. 

Let’s look at a few questions you should ask during this first meeting: 

• Have You Handled Similar Claims to Mine? Personal injury law encompasses everything from dog bites to slip and falls to medical malpractice. As such, many attorneys choose to focus on particular types of claims. For instance, it’s not uncommon to encounter a lawyer who predominantly handles car accident cases. While you won’t necessarily need someone who focuses solely on a particular kind of case, you will want to make sure that they have at least handled—and won—similar claims to yours. At HPIL, we’ve handled a wide variety of cases, arming us with an intimate understanding of the relevant statutes, precedents, and proceedings. 

• How Will My Claim Unfold? Asking this question can give you insight into an attorney’s integrity. Someone who promises a specific outcome might not be practicing with honesty as it’s almost impossible to guarantee a certain settlement amount. Our attorneys will be transparent from day one, whether it’s informing you of weaknesses in your case or discussing potential outcomes for your claim. 

• How Often Will You Provide Updates on the Progress of My Case? While your attorney will handle almost every aspect of your case, you will probably still want updates on its progress so that you aren’t left out of the loop. During the initial consultation, you should ask how often you can expect to hear from your attorney. At HPIL, we will not only provide you with regular updates on the status of your case, but will also endeavor to return your calls, texts, and emails promptly so you get the clarity you need during the uncertain days ahead. When you hire us to handle your claim, you will also have a direct line to our legal team.  

What Steps Should I Take after an Accident? 

When disaster strikes, few—if any of us—are prepared for what to do next. Not only will your emotions be running high, but an accident can put immense strain on your financial well-being, potentially pushing you closer and closer to bankruptcy with each new day.  

Fortunately, you may be able to recover compensation for many of the losses you’ve incurred because of the wreck. However, as the insurer will be looking for reasons to reduce or even deny your claim, you will need to consider every action carefully. 

Let’s look at a few steps you should always take after an accident: 

• Visit the Doctor: After an accident, there can be a lot on your plate, so undergoing a medical assessment might take a backseat to other tasks—especially if your injuries don’t appear to be very serious. However, skipping this crucial step could put you on the backfoot if you’re planning on filing a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your losses. It’s possible that you suffered an impact injury that has latent symptoms but still requires immediate treatment. Additionally, you will need to show the insurance adjuster that you took sufficient steps to mitigate damages; and the first part of fulfilling this responsibility is visiting the doctor. 

• Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene: Whether it’s taking photographs of the hazard that caused your injuries or noting down the contact details of eyewitnesses, you should take time after the incident to collect time-sensitive evidence that could be used to build your claim. Other proof that could play a crucial role in your case might include dash cam footage, surveillance camera videos, photographs of road markings and signs, and images of your injuries taken at the scene. 

• Start a Personal Injury Journal: In California, injury victims can seek compensation for the intangible effects of their injuries such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life. As there are no receipts for such losses, you will need to rely on many different types of evidence to demonstrate them. A personal injury journal is a widely accepted way to show such damages, so it might be in your best interests to start recording daily entries immediately after the accident. In your entries, make sure to describe the pain you are experiencing, the ways in which your injuries inhibit you and affect your quality of life, and list your medication side effects. 

Discuss Your Situation with a Brain Injury Lawyer in El Monte Today 

A brain injury can have a devastating impact on almost every aspect of your life. If your injuries were caused by someone else, it’s only fair that they should be held accountable for the damage they’ve caused. At HPIL, we can help you build a personal injury claim, gathering the necessary evidence to prove liability and representing you throughout proceedings. To lock in a free consultation, dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or head over to our contact form HERE.