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What Documents Should I Bring When Meeting With A Lawyer?
Robert Stahle • September 29, 2017
Let’s say you’re considering hiring a personal injury attorney. You’ve set up an appointment to meet and discuss your case, but you don’t know what kind of documents you should bring to the initial consultation.
Before your stress levels shoot through the roof, take a deep breath and relax, since this guide has been designed to walk you through everything, from A to Z.
Be Detail Oriented
It’s important for you to understand that the more information lawyers have regarding the details of your case - starting on day one - the more effective they will be in the long run. Bring anything and everything with you that could potentially be relevant to your case, even if you aren’t completely sure that it will be helpful. Good lawyers can help, even without a ton of supporting documentation, but there’s a much better chance you’ll receive your desired settlement when you’ve given your attorney a lot of material to work with.
Gather As Much Documentation As Possible
The exact documents your personal injury attorney will need will vary based on your lawyer’s preferences and the nature of your case. There are, however, some basic things you can bring with you to make your consultation go smoother.
For starters, you’ll want to bring any documents relating to your injury and the incident that caused it. This includes things like days of missed work because of the accident, the police report, and medical bills.
Additional items include:
- Your driver's license or another form of identification.
- The police report. If you were involved in anything where a police report was filed, bring it. This will provide your lawyer with critical details regarding your case, including the severity of the accident.
- Medical bills. The insurance company you are planning on suing will need to see your medical bills before agreeing to any form of settlement. Bring any bills relating to the incident, including hospital stays, treatments, and prescriptions.
- Receipts. If your vehicle was damaged and required repairs that you had to pay for out of pocket, bring in the receipts for that.
- Photographs from the scene of the accident. Documenting the accident with photos will help your attorney prove your side of the case. Bring in photos of your injuries, if applicable.
- Lost wage information. If you lost any wages due to the accident, bring in any information pertaining to that. This includes days of missed work. The other party’s insurance information. This information is critical, since your attorney needs to know who to file suit against.
Know What To Expect
The first time you meet with a lawyer will be more of an exploratory session than anything else. After this first meeting, your lawyer will need time to go through all the details of your case, including injuries, damages, and cost of medical treatment, before assessing a realistic compensatory value to shoot for. Be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it will take some time to build a good case.
If you are in need of legal services for an injury you suffered due to someone else’s negligence in the Sioux City area, contact Fitch and Stahle Law Firm for a free consultation today.
When you’re injured by a drunk driver, the physical trauma is often only the beginning. Medical appointments, hospital stays, and prescription medications can last for weeks, months, or even years. You may be unable to work. You may lose your vehicle. And the emotional toll—fear, anxiety, depression—can weigh heavily on you and your family. Unfortunately, many accident victims never receive the compensation they truly need to recover. Insurance companies are skilled at downplaying injuries, undervaluing claims, and pushing quick settlements. These early offers often only cover short-term costs—and leave victims with nothing for long-term consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a personal injury attorney who understands how to fight for your full and fair compensation. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve helped countless clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska recover the financial support they deserve after being hit by drunk drivers. Here’s how having legal representation can make a difference: 1. Understanding the Full Value of Your Claim A serious injury isn’t just about your ER bill. A strong legal claim must account for: Follow-up medical care, physical therapy, and surgeries Future medical treatment or long-term care Mental health services for trauma, PTSD, or anxiety Lost wages and reduced ability to earn income Property damage and vehicle replacement Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life Without legal help, you may never even know you’re entitled to compensation for these elements—let alone how to calculate their true cost. Our attorneys work closely with doctors, financial experts, and accident specialists to build a comprehensive case that reflects the full scope of your losses. 2. Pursuing Punitive Damages In Iowa and Nebraska, courts may award punitive damages in drunk driving cases. Unlike compensatory damages (which are designed to cover your losses), punitive damages are intended to punish the offender for particularly reckless or egregious behavior and deter others from doing the same. These damages can significantly increase the value of your claim—but you need an experienced attorney to prove that the driver’s actions warrant them. We know how to present evidence of impairment, prior offenses, and other aggravating factors that strengthen your case. 3. Exploring Additional Sources of Compensation Sometimes, the drunk driver’s insurance policy won’t cover the full cost of your damages. In those cases, we explore: Your own underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage Dram shop liability (if a bar, restaurant, or event overserved the driver) Third-party liability (in rare cases, the driver’s employer or vehicle owner may also share responsibility) Our team works to leave no stone unturned when identifying all potential sources of recovery. 4. Standing Up to the Insurance Companies Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators. Their job is to pay out as little as possible. Without a lawyer, they may take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge or pressure you into a fast settlement. With Fitch & Stahle in your corner, you don’t have to deal with their tactics. We handle all communication, submit all documentation, and push aggressively for the settlement you deserve. And if the insurance company won’t cooperate? We’re ready to take your case to court. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver in Iowa or Nebraska, don’t let the insurance company decide what your recovery is worth. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Let us help you move forward—with the compensation and justice you deserve.
Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating types of crashes—and the most preventable. Every time someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol, they not only break the law, but they also endanger innocent lives. When you’re the victim of one of these reckless acts, the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming. Many accident victims assume that if the other driver was arrested for DUI, the case will resolve itself quickly and fairly. After all, if the police have proof that the driver was drunk, what else is there to fight about? The reality is far more complex. Even when intoxication is clear, recovering compensation is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies are primarily concerned with protecting their bottom line. They may admit the drunk driver was at fault but still dispute the amount of damages you’re owed. They may claim your injuries aren’t as severe as you say or argue that you had pre-existing conditions. In some cases, they may even try to shift partial blame to you. That’s why hiring an experienced drunk driving accident attorney is so critical. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we represent clients throughout Iowa and Nebraska who have been harmed by drunk drivers. Our attorneys know how to build strong legal cases backed by evidence, expert testimony, and strategic negotiation. We don’t just take the word of the insurance company—we conduct our own investigations, obtain police and toxicology reports, interview witnesses, and, when necessary, work with accident reconstruction professionals to determine exactly what happened and who’s responsible. Beyond proving liability, our goal is to make sure every client receives the full amount of compensation they’re entitled to under the law. That includes not only current medical expenses and lost wages but also: Future medical care (surgeries, rehab, medications) Lost future earning capacity Pain and suffering Mental and emotional trauma Property damage Punitive damages when applicable In particularly egregious cases, we may also pursue compensation from third parties under Iowa or Nebraska’s dram shop liability laws . If a bar, restaurant, or even a private event served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage, that establishment could be held partially liable for the damages. Dealing with injuries, doctors, bills, and the trauma of the crash is hard enough. You shouldn’t also have to navigate legal paperwork, deadlines, and difficult insurance adjusters on your own. We provide personal, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation—so you can focus on healing while we focus on justice. Remember: The other driver’s arrest or conviction does not guarantee you fair compensation. Civil and criminal cases are separate, and only a personal injury claim will secure the financial support you need to recover and rebuild your life. If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver in Sioux City or the surrounding areas of Iowa and Nebraska, don’t wait. Call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll help you hold the drunk driver—and their insurance company—fully accountable.