When it comes to taking legal action, preparation is key. That's why it's so vital that car accident victims pay close attention to their very first encounter with their personal injury lawyer. The first appointment can either result in uncertainly on the victim's part or hope for a fair settlement. It's all in the way you present your case to the lawyer. Read on for some tips for your first meeting that are sure to have you walking out of the office with your burden lifted and your hopes high.

Get an idea of what you are entitled to be paid.

Having reasonable expectations is just as important as seeking every penny you are owed from the at-fault driver that caused the wreck. In most cases, accident victims are paid for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and lost personal property.

Understand that there are two ways to be paid after an accident.

A settlement may be forthcoming within a few weeks in some cases, and your personal injury lawyer will know how to negotiate for what you need. The other way to get paid is to take the other side to court. This takes longer but is just as effective as a settlement at getting paid the compensation you deserve.

Understand How You Will Pay Your Lawyer

Your first meeting is called a consultation, and many personal injury lawyers will talk to you about your case free of charge. You will probably need to provide some information about your accident before the consultation so be ready with a summary of medical treatment costs and the accident report.

Personal injury lawyers sometimes work for accident victims on a contingency fee basis. That means you don't owe any money for legal services until after you have won your case. No win means you don't owe the lawyer any money.

If the lawyer agrees to represent you, plan on signing an agreement that lays out what services are included and the fee. For a contingency fee agreement, the fee is often a certain percentage of the compensation you expect to be paid. Most lawyers charge from 33-40%, depending on where you live, the complexity of your case, your medical costs, and other factors. You can also expect to sign a release giving the lawyer access to your medical records.

Being prepared for your first lawyer meeting after an accident can help get your case off to a quick and efficient start and that could result in faster compensation. Speak to an auto accident attorney today.