How Long Is a Free Consultation With a Lawyer?

A free consultation with a lawyer is usually between 30 minutes and an hour long. Understanding how long a free consultation is and what to expect from one can help you make the most of your free legal meeting. Most Atlanta personal injury lawyers offer free consultations to those injured in car accidents and other situations.

Our firm has over two decades of experience representing injury victims like yourself. You can count on us to provide the information and advocacy you need to obtain fair compensation after a personal injury accident. Let’s take a closer look at free legal consultations and what to expect from one.

How Long Does a Free Legal Consultation With a Lawyer Last?

As mentioned above, a free legal consultation with a lawyer can last anywhere from half an hour to an hour long. The length of your consultation depends on the complexity of your case and how long it takes your attorney to determine if you have grounds for a claim.

If your accident involved multiple parties and other complicated factors, it may take an hour or longer for your lawyer to assess your situation and advise you on whether or not you’re entitled to compensation. Don’t worry; if your interview runs long, your attorney won’t charge you for the extra time it takes to complete the meeting.

What Should I Expect From a Free Legal Consultation With a Lawyer?

In addition to knowing how long a free consultation with a lawyer is, there are several other aspects of free consultations you’ll want to learn about before meeting with an attorney. Knowing what to expect from a consultation can help you prepare, so you’re able to make the most of your free meeting.

The first thing your attorney will do during a free consultation is to ask you to describe the accident. They’ll want to know how many people were involved, when and where the incident occurred, and whether the police responded to it and filed a report.

Next, the lawyer will ask you to describe your injuries and the losses you’ve incurred due to the incident. Once the attorney has a clear picture of how the incident happened and how it has impacted your life, they’ll be able to determine if you have grounds for an insurance claim or civil suit.

How Do I Prepare for a Free Consultation With a Lawyer?

Before you attend a free consultation with a lawyer, there are a few steps you’ll want to take to prepare for the meeting. Here’s what you can do to ensure you are prepared for your free legal consultation with a personal injury attorney:

• Bring copies of your medical records and bills
• Bring a copy of the police report
• Bring photos of the accident and your injuries
• Keep a written testimony of the pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced due to the incident
• Bring the names and contact information of eye-witnesses
• Bring any other documents that show how the accident has impacted your life negatively

Arriving at your consultation with these records and documents can give your attorney a clear idea of how the accident has affected you. Using the information you provide, your lawyer can determine if you should seek compensation. If you have grounds for a claim, your attorney can use these documents to support your case and fight for the damages you’re owed.

How Long Do I Have to Schedule a Free Consultation With a Lawyer?

Depending on your case, you could have a limited amount of time to meet with an attorney and pursue the damages you deserve. That’s because the state of Georgia has a statute of limitations that restricts the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit.

According to Georgia Code § 9-3-33, you have two years from the date of your accident to submit a civil lawsuit against the individual who caused your injuries. If you don’t act within this period of time, you could lose your right to seek damages.

Scheduling a free consultation as soon as possible after an accident will give your legal representative the time they need to investigate the incident, build a compelling case, and file a civil suit before the deadline. 

Learn How Long a Free Consultation With a Lawyer Is

Knowing how long a free consultation with a lawyer is can help you prepare for your initial meeting with an attorney. At John Foy & Associates, our attorneys provide free legal consultations to all potential clients. If you choose to hire us, we won’t charge you any fees until we win your case.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyer. We’ll meet with you to discuss your accident and advise you whether or not you should pursue further legal action. We look forward to hearing from you soon and providing the resources you need to file a winning claim.