Education
What to Bring to Your First Personal Injury Attorney Meeting
• 2 min read
A well-prepared first meeting saves weeks of back-and-forth and can speed up everything that follows — including funding.
Bring the police or incident report if you have it. If you don't, the attorney's office can usually obtain it.
Bring photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. The more documentation, the better.
Bring contact information for any witnesses. Even informal contact details help.
Bring your insurance policy declarations page and any correspondence from the at-fault party's insurer.
Bring a list of every medical provider you've seen since the accident, with dates if possible.
Bring questions. A good attorney expects them.
Documents from the scene and incident
Police report or incident report, if you have a copy. If you do not have one, the attorney's office can request it.
Photos of the scene, vehicles, injuries, and any contributing hazards. The more photos the better, and originals (with metadata) are better than texts or screenshots.
Witness information
Names, phone numbers, and any statements from witnesses. Even informal contact details from bystanders can be valuable later.
If a witness gave a statement to police, that should be in the incident report. If not, write down what they told you while it is still fresh.
Insurance and correspondence
Your own auto or homeowner's insurance declarations page, showing your coverage limits and policy details.
Any letter, email, or recorded message from the at-fault party's insurer. Do not respond to them until you talk to your attorney.
Medical information
A list of every medical provider you have seen since the accident, with dates, providers, and reasons for visits.
Health insurance card. Any out-of-pocket bills you have already paid (receipts).
Your own questions
Write down everything you want to ask. A good attorney expects questions and welcomes them.
Topics to consider: how long the case may take, what the attorney's fee structure is, who will be your primary contact at the firm, and what you should and should not do during the case.
Talk to AARC before you make a financial move you'll regret
Every situation is different, and the right answer depends on the specifics of your case, your timeline, and what you need the money for. The single best thing you can do is have a short, no-pressure conversation with someone who funds these cases every day.
Call AARC at (800) 297-3834 or apply online in about three minutes. There is no credit check, no obligation, and no cost to find out what you qualify for. If a cash advance isn't the right tool for your situation, we'll tell you that too.
Frequently asked questions
- Will taking an advance reduce my settlement?
- The advance plus its flat fee is repaid out of the settlement, so your net proceeds are reduced by that amount. It does not affect the gross value your attorney negotiates.
- Is a pre-settlement cash advance a loan?
- No. It is non-recourse funding tied to your personal injury claim. There are no monthly payments, and if your case does not recover, you owe nothing.
- Do I need good credit or a job to qualify?
- No. AARC does not run a credit check and does not require employment or income verification. Approval is based on the strength of your claim and your attorney's representation.
- How fast can I get funded?
- Most approved applicants receive funds in as little as 24 hours once AARC has the case documents from your attorney.
- How much does it cost?
- AARC uses a flat fee rather than compounding monthly interest. Typical advances are $500, $750, or $1,000, and the illustrative payoff at settlement is 2x the advance amount.
About the author
Written by the funding team at AARC — Accident Advance & Resource Center. AARC underwrites pre-settlement cash advances for personal injury claimants and works directly with plaintiff attorneys across 45 states. Our team reviews case documentation daily and writes from that firsthand experience.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Always confirm details with your attorney. Contact AARC or call (800) 297-3834 with questions about your specific case.
