Printable tool
Accident Lawyer Consultation Workbook
Prepare a concise case summary, ask consistent questions, and compare written terms before choosing representation.
1. Essential facts
2. Injury and treatment summary
| Injury or symptom | Provider / diagnosis | Current impact | Next step |
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3. Financial impact
| Category | Amount to date | Future concern | Proof available |
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4. Evidence and communications
Available
- Police or incident report
- Scene and injury photographs
- Witness details
- Insurance correspondence
- Medical records or appointment list
- Income records
- Receipts and expense log
- Proposed release or offer
Still needed
- Video or surveillance inquiry
- Vehicle or product preservation
- Employer confirmation
- Benefit plan documents
- Prior medical records
- Expert assessment
- Deadline verification
- Coverage confirmation
5. Questions for each lawyer
| Question | Lawyer's answer |
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| What are the strongest and weakest parts of the claim? | |
| What must be done immediately? | |
| Who will actually handle the file? | |
| How will we communicate and receive updates? | |
| How is the fee calculated at each stage? | |
| How are expenses, taxes, interest, and cost awards treated? | |
| What happens if there is no recovery? | |
| What happens if I change lawyers? | |
| What settlement and trial experience is relevant? | |
| What should I realistically expect next? | |
6. Comparison scorecard
| Category | Lawyer 1 | Lawyer 2 | Lawyer 3 |
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| Relevant experience | | | |
| Quality of analysis | | | |
| Responsible lawyer identified | | | |
| Communication plan | | | |
| Resources and experts | | | |
| Fee clarity | | | |
| Expected net recovery explanation | | | |
| Settlement and trial capability | | | |
| Professional fit | | | |
| Overall confidence | | | |
7. Before signing
- I verified the lawyer's current licence.
- I received and read the complete retainer.
- The scope of representation is clear.
- I understand the fee formula and stage changes.
- I understand expenses, taxes, interest, and cost awards.
- I received or requested a sample settlement statement.
- I know who will handle the file.
- I know how updates and urgent issues will be handled.
- I understand termination and file-transfer terms.
- I received a signed copy for my records.
Educational planning tool only. Confirm local law, deadlines, and agreement terms with qualified counsel.