The conversation generally starts with you telling us what happened. An attorney will listen to the circumstances of your accident, ask questions about your injuries and treatment, and discuss any communication you have had with insurance companies.

From there, we can help you understand the legal issues that may be involved and what options may be available. It is a conversation, not a sales presentation.

No. There is absolutely no obligation to hire our firm after speaking with us.

The purpose of the consultation is to give you useful information about your situation and allow you to decide what makes sense for you. If you decide you want our help, we can explain what happens next. If you do not, you are free to take the information you received and move forward however you choose.

Bring whatever information you already have. Depending on the accident, that might include photographs, police or accident reports, insurance information, medical records or bills, correspondence from an insurance company, or contact information for witnesses.

However, do not put off speaking with an attorney because you do not have everything organized yet. We can start with what you know and help identify additional information that may be useful.

That is a good reason to schedule a consultation.

You are not expected to determine whether someone was legally negligent, how much a claim may be worth or whether an insurance company is treating you fairly. Those are exactly the kinds of questions an attorney can help you evaluate.

The purpose of the consultation is to give you an opportunity to discuss your situation with a lawyer who can listen to what happened and provide guidance about your potential claim and next steps.

You should leave the conversation with a clearer understanding of your situation than you had when you arrived.

Ask whatever is worrying you. Common questions include whether you have a claim, who may be responsible, whether you should speak with the insurance company, how medical bills will be handled, how long the process may take and what compensation may be available.

There are no “wrong” questions. The point of the meeting is to help you understand a process that may be completely unfamiliar to you.

It is generally wise to understand your rights and the potential value of your claim before accepting a settlement or signing documents that could affect your ability to seek additional compensation.

An early settlement offer may come before the full extent of your injuries, treatment needs or financial losses is known. A consultation gives you an opportunity to have the situation reviewed before making a final decision.

Giamanco Law Partners handles personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis. There is no upfront attorney fee to begin a case. If the firm accepts your case, the attorney fee is paid as an agreed-upon percentage of the recovery.

The fee arrangement will be explained before you decide whether to hire the firm.

You can still contact an attorney. In fact, speaking with a lawyer early can help you understand what information the insurance company is requesting, what you are required to provide and whether you should give a recorded statement or sign documents.

You do not have to navigate those conversations without guidance.

It is usually better to get information sooner rather than later. Evidence can disappear, memories can fade, and legal deadlines may apply to your claim.

You do not need to wait until you have finished medical treatment or know exactly how the accident will affect you. An initial consultation can help you understand what you should be doing now while your recovery and potential claim continue.