A first consultation is a conversation about what happened and what you need to understand. You are not expected to arrive with a complete investigation. A short timeline, a few key records, and a list of questions can help you use the time well.
Start with a one-page outline
Write down the accident date and location, your role in the collision, and the platform involved if known. Add the names of insurers or representatives who have contacted you. Mark information that is approximate instead of trying to make the outline look complete.
Include the concerns that matter most to you: unanswered insurance questions, time away from work, confusing paperwork, or simply understanding how representation would work.
Bring documents you already have
Useful starting materials include the trip receipt, photos, crash report information, insurance letters, treatment records, and bills. If a friend booked the ride, a copy of their receipt may help connect you to the trip. Tell the attorney about any recorded statements you have given and bring copies of documents you have signed.
Do not delay the conversation solely because a report or medical record is missing. Make a short list of those gaps so they can be discussed.
Ask how representation would work
Ask who would handle the matter, how communication would work, and what the next steps might involve. Discuss fees and expenses directly, including how they are calculated, when they may be owed, and what would be covered by a written agreement.
A free initial consultation does not, by itself, describe the terms of later representation. Make sure you understand the proposed arrangement before deciding whether to move forward.
Leave with a clear list of next steps
Before the conversation ends, confirm which records to gather, which requests need attention, and who will follow up. Ask whether there are timing concerns specific to your circumstances. Keep those notes with your accident file.
Hoffman Legal offers a free initial consultation from its Dania Beach practice. You can begin by calling the firm or using the contact page. Avoid sending sensitive material through an unconfirmed channel; ask how the firm would like to receive it.
Sources & further reading
Information checked September 24, 2026. Laws, policy terms, and platform procedures can change. This article is general information, not legal advice or a prediction of a result.