When you are meeting your personal injury lawyer for the first time, it is very important that you bring with you as much relevant documentation as possible. This will help your lawyer narrow the issues, and will allow them to commence any investigations that may be required without delay.
The following list is a guideline. No one expects that you will have all of this information, but do try to bring as much as possible to your first meeting.
1. A copy of your valid driver’s license or photo ID;
2. Your OHIP card;
3. Any notes you have made about the accident or incident (journal, diary or otherwise);
4. If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, bring a copy of the Motor Vehicle Accident Report, or the Self Reporting Collision Report;
5. If you were involved in a slip and fall, workplace accident, or other accident, bring a copy of the Incident Report, or Accident Report if you have a copy;
6. The names of any witnesses to the accident or incident, along with their contact information;
7. A list of all doctors, physiotherapists, or other treatment providers that you have seen in relation to the accident or incident, and a list of those you saw in the three years prior to the incident;
8. A list of any and all medications you have been taking, both since the accident or incident, and for the year or so prior;
9. Any letters between you and your employer, or your physician and your employer, regarding accident-related absences from work;
10. Copies of your recent Income Tax Returns, as well as your Social Insurance Number;
11. If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, be sure to bring copies of any forms, letters, or other documents you have received from your own insurer (or another insurer) regarding your Accident Benefit claim;
12. Copies of any statements you have signed, or draft statements that you have been asked to sign;
13. If you have any other type of coverage (for example: a short and/or long term disability plan, or healthcare coverage through work), bring the name of the insurance company and your policy or plan number.
These are but some examples of the types of documents that you should bring to your first meeting with your personal injury lawyer. Our goal is to hit the ground running with your case, and the sooner we have documents in hand, the better!
