If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation under Georgia law. At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., our experienced personal injury lawyers understand how overwhelming this process can be—and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether your case involves a car accident, slip and fall, or another type of injury, we fight to protect your rights and pursue the full recovery you deserve. Call us today at 770-205-8887 to schedule your free consultation.

What You Should Know Before Meeting a Personal Injury Attorney in Georgia

If you’ve scheduled your first consultation with a personal injury attorney, you may be wondering what to expect and how to get ready. Taking a few steps beforehand can help you make the most of your meeting and give your lawyer the tools they need to evaluate your case effectively. Whether you’re dealing with injuries from a car crash, slip and fall, or another type of accident, understanding how to prepare can save time and reduce confusion.

Understand the Purpose of the Initial Meeting

The first consultation is an opportunity for both you and the attorney to assess whether working together makes sense. From your side, you’ll want to get a feel for the attorney’s experience and approach. From their side, they’ll need to determine whether your case has merit and fits their practice. While you don’t need to have everything figured out, coming in with the right information and mindset will help things go more smoothly.

Gather Important Documents

Before the meeting, it’s helpful to collect all documents related to your accident or injury. These may include:

Accident or incident reports
Medical records and discharge summaries
Photographs of your injuries or the scene
Contact information for witnesses
Insurance correspondence
Pay stubs to show lost wages
Any bills related to treatment or property damage

Having these materials available can help the attorney evaluate the strength of your case and get a clearer picture of what happened.

Write Down the Details of the Incident

Your memory of the event is one of the most important pieces of evidence early on. Try to write down everything you remember about the accident, including:

The date, time, and location
Weather and road conditions, if applicable
How the incident happened
What you did right after
Whether anyone spoke to you or offered help
Any pain or symptoms you experienced

This information can help fill in gaps in official records and ensure your lawyer understands how the event unfolded.

Have a List of Your Medical Treatment

Your injuries and treatment plan will be a major part of your case. Be ready to describe:

When and where you first received treatment
Ongoing appointments or specialist visits
Medications prescribed
Therapy or rehabilitation efforts
Pain or limitations you still experience

It’s also helpful to know if you’ve followed all your doctor’s instructions. If you’ve missed appointments or stopped treatment, the attorney will need to know why.

Know Your Insurance Coverage

Bring along copies of your health and auto insurance policies if the case involves a car accident. The lawyer will want to know:

What coverage is available
Whether you’ve spoken to any insurance adjusters
What you may have already received in benefits

If an insurance company has contacted you, make sure to share those details with the lawyer. Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers before you’ve had this initial consultation.

Think About Your Questions

This meeting isn’t just for the lawyer to assess your case—it’s also your chance to learn more about them. Here are a few things you may want to ask:

How many similar cases they’ve handled
What outcomes they’ve secured for clients
Whether they see any major challenges in your case
What the next steps in the process might be
How their fee structure works

Most personal injury attorneys in Georgia, including those at firms like Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., work on a contingency basis. This means you don’t pay unless they recover money for you. Still, it’s important to understand how costs and fees will be handled.

Be Honest About What Happened

You may feel nervous discussing personal details, but honesty is critical. The lawyer needs to know the full story to advise you properly. This includes any prior injuries, mistakes you may have made after the incident, or anything else that might affect your case. If you withhold information, it can cause problems later on and reduce your chances of a successful claim.

Set Realistic Expectations

While some injury cases are straightforward, many involve negotiations, expert opinions, and time. Your attorney can give you a general sense of what to expect, but no one can guarantee a specific outcome or timeline. Be open to hearing both the strengths and weaknesses of your case. This helps build trust and ensures everyone is on the same page moving forward.

Know That You’re Not Committed Yet

This first meeting does not obligate you to hire the attorney. It’s simply a chance to learn more and see if they’re a good fit for your needs. After the consultation, take some time to think about the interaction. Did the attorney listen to your concerns? Did they explain things clearly? Do you feel confident in their ability to represent you?

If you decide to move forward, you’ll typically sign a representation agreement outlining the terms of your relationship. Make sure to read this document carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.

Preparing for your initial meeting with a personal injury attorney helps set the tone for the rest of your case. By gathering the right documents, being honest about your situation, and asking thoughtful questions, you give both yourself and your attorney the best chance at building a strong claim.

Speak with a Trusted Georgia Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured and are unsure of your next steps, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can make all the difference. At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., we’re committed to helping injury victims across Georgia seek the justice and compensation they deserve. Don’t navigate the legal process alone—let our team provide the support and guidance you need. Call us at 770-205-8887 to schedule your free consultation and find out how we can help you move forward.