Write a sixty-second summary
Note what happened, where and when it happened, the main injury or loss, and the most urgent question. Use facts you know and label estimates as estimates.
Put key dates at the top
Include the incident date, treatment dates, dates you missed work, and the dates of important insurer or agency letters. A lawyer must determine which dates have legal significance.
Keep five items nearby
Have identification, any report number, insurer correspondence, a treatment list, and the questions you want answered. You do not need a perfect file before asking whether a firm can review the matter.
End with a concrete next step
Confirm what the firm needs, how to send it securely, who will follow up, and whether the firm has accepted the matter.