Do You Really Need a Car Accident Lawyer? How to Tell

Photo by Oleksandr Horbach on Unsplash

After a car accident, your life is often thrown into a whirlwind of doctor visits, phone discussions with insurance companies, and trying to figure out how you’re going to arrange to get your car fixed. In the midst of this chaos, you usually have one really big question nagging at you constantly: Do I really need a car accident lawyer, or can I just figure all of this out on my own?

I completely understand why people are hesitant to hire a lawyer. Maybe you’re concerned about the costs, or you think your accident was straightforward and that you can work directly with the insurance company. Many people think they will save money by trying to do it all themselves.

However, this is important to keep in mind: Sometimes the accidents that seem pretty simple can start to become complicated as soon as your injuries turn out to be worse than you thought, the doctors start sending in bills, or the insurance company starts with its ridiculous low-ball offers for settlement.

This guide is designed to help you figure out if hiring a lawyer makes sense for you and your particular situation, so you can protect your rights, your health, and your financial future, without second guessing yourself.

When You May Not Need A Lawyer

Let’s be realistic; not all car accidents require an attorney. If you happened to be in a minor accident with no injuries, no dispute of fault, and the insurance companies cooperate, you probably will be able to deal with it on your own. 

We are referring to scenarios where someone may have rear ended you at low speed with no injuries, very little damage, and the other driver’s insurance company took liability right away. Most of the time in this situation, you could calculate your damages pretty easily.

If your total damages are less than small claims limits (typically a few thousand dollars in damages) and you are comfortable with dealing with the claims adjuster, taking the DIY approach may save you some money. In fact, a property damage claim without injuries with only minimal damages usually falls under this heading.

The important issue to sort out is if it really is as easy as it seems. Sometimes a situation that appears to have little complications may have some hidden complications that only come to light later on.

Signs You May Want to Hire a Lawyer

This is where things get serious. If you have significant injuries requiring medical treatment, you have to go to a lawyer. Even those injuries that appear only minor at first can become major complications later on.

Any time you are involved in an accident that may have long-term ongoing effects on your health or your employment it is simply too important to be on your own. We are talking about people who may require ongoing medical, rehabilitative or physical therapy or perhaps a period of time off work.

Disputes over fault are the other major headache. If the other driver or their insurance company is trying to blame you for the accident, you need someone who knows how to push back with the evidence and legal arguments.

Insurance company games are still probably the most common reason people end up needing lawyers. When insurance companies start dragging their feet with your claim, denying coverage, or offering settlements that are obviously much too low, you will probably want to get some professional help.

What a Car Accident Lawyer Actually Does

A lot of people do not really know what car accident lawyers do other than “sue people.” In reality, they do more investigating, negotiating, and ensuring you get fair compensation without ever setting foot in the courtroom.

They will fully investigate your accident. This will involve obtaining evidence like police reports, witness statements, medical records, and, in some cases, even the testimony of accident reconstruction experts. This stuff can make or break your case, and most people do not know how to do this very well.

An equally significant part of their work will include calculating the full value of your claim. A claim is not just what you have spent on medical bills or car repairs. If you have a good lawyer they will know to include lost future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, as well as other damages that you may not have thought about or even known were available.

They will communicate with the insurance companies and handle all negotiations (which for most people is a big relief). Instead of having to deal with adjusters who are trained to minimize payouts (and train you not to appear assertive), you have someone on your side speaking their language and knowing their tactics.

Making the Right Choice for Your Situation

Whether you need a car accident lawyer really depends on the actual facts of your case and a personal judgment on whether you are comfortable navigating the insurance or legal process on your own. If your accident is truly minor, with no injuries, and cooperative insurance companies, you might be able to get away with handling the claim yourself.

However, when you have significant injuries, expensive medical costs, arguments about fault, or when you have no trust in an insurance company that is being unfair, having a lawyer talking to you about your injury can literally be the difference between an obviously low settlement to the amount of compensation you deserve.

Before you make a final decision, take time to think about the positive and negative aspects. Remember that most car accident lawyers provide free consultations, you have nothing to lose in getting professional opinions about your situation. Sometimes, just processing your case with a professional can show you if this is going to be a dispute you can handle on your own or if you need to call for backup.