Your First Injury Consultation in Miami: What to Expect

Calling a lawyer may be the last thing you expected to do this week. You may be sore after a fall, missing work, or trying to make sense of a call from the insurance company. You do not need to know the legal terms before asking for help.

A first personal injury consultation is a conversation about what happened, your injuries, and your questions. Bring the documents you have, but do not wait for a perfect folder. Mario Serralta & Associates offers free consultations in English and Spanish for people injured in the Miami area. The conversation helps the firm assess whether it can help; it is not a promise that a claim will succeed.

The image above is an illustration, not a photograph of clients or an actual accident.

What will we talk about?

Start wherever you can. For example: “I fell outside a store on Saturday. My back hurts, and I have not been able to return to work.” That gives us a place to begin. We can ask follow-up questions about the location, what you noticed, who was there, and what happened afterward.

We may ask about medical visits, symptoms, previous injuries involving the same area, missed work, and any contact with an insurer. Be honest about what you remember and what you do not. You do not need to guess who was at fault or fill gaps in your memory.

If your concern is a fall, our Miami slip-and-fall page explains the types of situations we review. For other injuries, visit our personal injury services page.

What should I bring to the first meeting?

Bring what is readily available. A few clear photos and a short list of questions can be useful even if other records are missing.

• The date, address, and your description of the accident.
• Photos, videos, witness contact details, and any incident or police report you have.
• Medical paperwork, bills, and a list of providers you have seen.
• Insurance letters, emails, claim numbers, and any proposed settlement or release.
• Information about missed work and expenses caused by the injury.
• Your questions, including concerns about costs, transportation, or communication.

Keep originals and avoid editing photos or messages. If an insurer has asked for a recorded statement or sent documents to sign, tell the lawyer so those requests can be discussed. If you already gave a statement or signed something, bring it rather than assuming it ends your options.

Will I find out what my case is worth?

The first meeting can identify questions that need investigation. It usually cannot establish a reliable payment amount. Responsibility for the accident, medical evidence, lost income, available insurance, and the effect on your life all need review.

There is no simple multiplier that turns medical bills into a guaranteed settlement. A responsible explanation should make clear what is known and what is still uncertain. Your questions about money are understandable; a guessed number will not help you make a sound decision.

How do legal fees and case expenses work?

The initial consultation with our office is free. If representation is offered, ask how attorney fees and case expenses would be handled before signing. A contingency fee generally means the attorney’s fee depends on a recovery under the agreement. Expenses, such as records or expert work, are a separate question.

Ask what percentage applies, whether it changes at different stages, how expenses are deducted, and what you could owe if there is no recovery. The written agreement should explain the terms. The Florida Bar’s consumer guide to attorney fees provides more background.

Five useful questions to ask

1. What facts or documents do you need before deciding whether you can help?
2. Who would handle my case, and how would I get updates?
3. What deadlines or immediate evidence issues should I understand?
4. How would fees, expenses, and medical bills affect any recovery?
5. What happens after this meeting if we decide to work together?

You can also ask to continue in Spanish, explain a work schedule that makes calls difficult, or bring someone who helps you remember questions. Ask the office in advance about arrangements and how another person’s presence may affect confidential discussions.

Do I have to hire a lawyer during the consultation?

No. You can ask questions and review the proposed terms. The firm also needs to decide whether it can take the case. An initial conversation does not automatically mean the firm represents you. Make sure you understand when representation begins and who is responsible for any approaching deadline.

Do not assume that scheduling a consultation pauses a legal filing deadline. The applicable time limit needs to be checked promptly. If you want to understand the steps after a claim begins, read what affects the time to settle a Florida injury case.

Get to know Mario before you call

Mario Serralta has been admitted to The Florida Bar since 1999 and is a University of Miami School of Law graduate. You can read about Mario and the team and check his Florida Bar profile.

Our office is in Miami Lakes, and we assist people across the Miami area. Request a free consultation or call 305-612-3333. Tell us what happened and what is worrying you most. We can start there.

General information, updated November 12, 2026. This guide does not establish an attorney-client relationship.