You need to be well-prepared before you start to instruct a solicitor to make sure you get the best outcome. For example, if you have been involved in an accident that caused personal injury, the solicitor will need to know:

• All the facts surrounding the accident
• All of the injuries you suffered as a result of the accident
• All of the expenses which the accident caused you to incur

If it was an accident in the workplace, you will need to explain what you were doing at the time of the accident, who was in charge and who witnessed the accident.

If the accident was a road traffic accident, you will need to clearly describe where you were coming from or going to, what the weather conditions were like, what was the sequence of events leading up to the accident, whether you were wearing a seat-belt at the time of the accident, what markings and signs were on the road, who was the investigating Garda and what were the names and addresses of any witnesses.

When describing your injuries, start with your sensations and feelings at the time of and immediately after the accident. Then explain whether, when and how you went to hospital.

Describe all injuries that you suffered, whether they were physical, psychological or emotional and all the symptoms including sleep-loss, nightmares etc. List all of the doctors, hospitals, physiotherapists and counsellors (if any) that you attended after the accident. If you already had injuries before the accident, you must also tell your solicitor about these. Describe all of the treatments and medications you received as a result of the accident and any prognosis that has been made.

If you are unable to go to work due to the accident you should calculate any loss of earnings you incur and all medical expenses like medication costs. You should also include related expenses such as bus and taxi-fares if you are unable to drive as a result of the accident