7 Things to Expect at Your First Meeting With an Injury Attorney in Palm Beach County

When you’ve been injured in an accident, your first meeting with a personal injury attorney in Palm Beach County can set the tone for your entire case. Whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or other serious injury, being prepared can save you time, money, and stress.

At The Law Offices of Matthew Konecky, P.A., we believe the initial consultation isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about understanding your story and building a strategy to help you recover physically and financially.

Below is what you can expect, and how to make the most of that first visit.

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1. Bring the Right Documents

Your first meeting is the foundation of your case, so bring every document related to your accident and injury. These include:

• Police or Crash Reports: If law enforcement responded to the scene, bring the driver’s exchange form or crash report. This helps your attorney identify witnesses, assess liability, and verify insurance information.

• Medical Records and Bills: Any treatment notes, discharge summaries, or doctor’s cards are valuable. Even if you’ve only seen a chiropractor or urgent care provider, this documentation confirms that you sought medical attention,  a critical factor in Florida’s no-fault system.

• Photos and Videos: Pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, or visible injuries can make or break a liability claim.

• Insurance Information: Bring your auto and health insurance cards. In Florida, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays up to $10,000 in medical benefits regardless of fault, but your attorney will also need to review possible Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

• Proof of Lost Wages: If you’ve missed work, bring pay stubs or employer documentation showing your income.

• Social Media Messages or Witness Contacts: Save any texts, DMs, or posts about the crash, whether from the at-fault driver or witnesses. Statements like “I messed up and hit another car” can be key evidence later.

• Timeline of Events: If your injury happened weeks or months ago, outline what’s happened since, doctor visits, time off work, ongoing pain, or activity limitations.

Pro Tip: If possible, send these materials to your attorney’s office before your appointment. It gives the legal team a head start and allows your meeting to focus on strategy rather than data collection.

2. Expect to Answer These Five Questions

A good attorney will want to understand not only what happened, but how the accident has changed your life. Be ready to discuss:

1. What happened? Describe the incident clearly and honestly. Even if you don’t remember everything (for example, if you lost consciousness), that’s important to share. The clarity of your memory also helps your lawyer anticipate how you might present before a jury if the case goes to trial.

2. What treatment have you received? Be specific about hospitals, chiropractors, orthopedists, MRIs, and therapy. Bring a list of all providers. If you’ve had prior injuries or accidents, disclose them — your attorney needs to know what’s new and what might be an aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

3. How has this injury affected your life? Can you no longer run, play with your kids, or work without pain? Have you had to hire help for household chores? These losses,  called non-economic damages,  are vital to the value of your case.

4. Have you spoken with any insurance companies? If an adjuster called you and you said, “I’m fine,” that could later be used against you. Be honest about all communications so your attorney can protect you from misinterpretations.

5. What are your goals? Some clients just want their medical bills paid and their life back. Others are seeking full compensation for long-term injuries. Be upfront so your attorney can manage expectations and ensure your goals align with what the law allows.

3. How Attorneys Evaluate Your Case

At your first meeting, your attorney will evaluate the strength and value of your case based on four main factors:

• Liability: Who was at fault? Florida’s modified comparative negligence law (as of 2023) allows recovery even if you were partly at fault, as long as you were less than 50% responsible.

• Damages: These include both economic damages (medical bills, future care costs, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life).

• Insurance Coverage: If the at-fault driver lacks insurance, and you don’t have UM coverage, your attorney may not be able to pursue compensation. That’s why understanding insurance is key.

• Statute of Limitations: In most Florida personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file suit. Waiting too long can permanently bar your claim.

Your attorney may also verify whether you saw a doctor within 14 days of the crash, required to qualify for PIP benefits under Florida law.

4. Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not all lawyers or firms operate with integrity. During your consultation, beware of these warning signs:

• Guaranteed Results: Florida Bar rules prohibit attorneys from promising a specific outcome. No one can tell you exactly how much money you’ll receive.

• High-Pressure Tactics: You should never feel rushed or coerced into signing anything.

• Lack of Fee Transparency: Your fee agreement should clearly explain the percentage (typically 33⅓% pre-suit and 40% post-suit) and how case costs are handled.

• You Never Meet the Attorney: If you only speak with an “investigator” or “case manager” and never the lawyer who’ll represent you, that’s a concern.

• Unsolicited Contact: It’s illegal for a lawyer to directly solicit accident victims by phone, text, or visit. If that happened, walk away, fast.

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5. Understanding Fees and Costs

Most Florida personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and the attorney only gets paid if you win or settle your case.

Here’s what that looks like:

• Before a lawsuit: Attorney fee is typically 33⅓% of the recovery.

• After filing a lawsuit: The fee increases to 40% once the defense files an answer.

For example, if your case settles for $100,000 before a lawsuit, the attorney’s fee would be approximately $33,333. Case costs (such as medical record fees, expert reports, or filing costs) are deducted separately from your settlement.

Your attorney will also handle medical liens, for example, hospital or doctor bills that must be repaid from your settlement, ensuring everything is resolved properly.

6. What Happens After You Sign Up

After your consultation, your legal team will:

• Request all medical and accident records.

• Notify insurance companies of your representation.

• Help you continue or coordinate medical treatment.

• Monitor your recovery and update you throughout the process.

The attorney’s goal is to help you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning you’re either fully healed or as recovered as possible. Only then can your attorney accurately calculate damages and begin settlement negotiations.

7. Insider Tips to Get the Most From Your First Visit

1. Bring a trusted friend or family member. They can help you remember important details and questions.

2. Write down your questions in advance. It’s easy to forget once the meeting starts.

3. Ask about experience. Find out how many cases like yours the attorney has handled, whether they’ve gone to trial, and how they’ve succeeded for past clients.

Contact Our Proven Palm Beach County Injury Attorney

Meeting with a personal injury attorney for the first time can feel intimidating, but it shouldn’t be. A qualified, ethical lawyer will take the time to listen, explain, and guide you through every step. At The Law Offices of Matthew Konecky, P.A., we pride ourselves on providing clear communication, transparent fees, and compassionate representation to clients across Palm Beach County and South Florida.

If you’ve been injured in an accident and need answers, don’t wait.