Meeting a lawyer for the first time can feel intimidating, especially soon after an accident. This worksheet walks you through what to bring and what to expect, so you can use the meeting well. Nothing here is collected or sent anywhere — it's simply a sheet for your own use.
A free consultation is only as useful as the preparation you bring to it.
First Meeting With a Lawyer
Most initial consultations are free. A little prep helps you use the time well.
Bring with you
- Police report (or report number)
- Photos from the scene
- Insurance details (yours and theirs)
- Medical records / bills so far
- Any correspondence from the insurer
- Your expense tracker, if started
- A written timeline of what happened
They'll likely ask you
Questions worth asking them
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- What's your fee structure — is it contingency, and what percentage?
- Who will actually work on my case day-to-day?
- What do you think the main challenges are here?
- How will we communicate, and how often?
- Is there a deadline I need to know about?
How to use it
Fill in the "they'll likely ask you" section beforehand, in your own words, while it's fresh — it's much easier to speak clearly in the room if you've already put it on paper once. Bring the checklist items you have; missing ones aren't a dealbreaker; a good attorney can usually help you get them.
Not sure you need a lawyer at all yet? Start with our honest do I need a lawyer guide first — this worksheet is for once you've decided to talk to one, or you're not sure and want to find out with nothing to lose (most initial consultations are free).
A free resource from The Accident Advisory. Last reviewed June 2026.