If you ask the internet when you need a personal injury attorney, every lawyer’s site is going to pop up explaining why you need them for any little car accident. When in reality, there are many instances where you may not need a lawyer. In this article, we’ll explain when it’s a good/bad idea to hire a lawyer, and how a good lawyer should help when dealing with a car accident.
Is it Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident?
Getting a lawyer after a car accident can be helpful for navigating the many legal complexities that follow, especially during high-stakes or complex accidents. Whether or not you need an attorney largely depends on the specifics of your situation, including how complicated the claim is, the extent of damages, and your capacity to handle negotiations or legal procedures on your own.
Deciding whether to handle a car accident claim on your own depends on several key factors:
- Accident Scope: The larger the accident, the more helpful an attorney may be, due to increased complexity or variables involved.
- Liability: If liability is obvious, claims may be easier to handle yourself. But in instances of disputed liability, it may be necessary to hire an attorney, as they can make a case against the other driver. The less liable you are for the accident, the larger your settlement may be.
- Bodily Harm: When there are serious injuries sustained, victims may be entitled to maximum compensation. This could include medical costs, vehicle repairs, lost wages, or even non-economic damages such as psychological issues. When there are large amounts at stake, a good attorney will give you the best shot at a large settlement.
- Insurance Company Pressure: If an insurance company pushes for a quick settlement, it’s because you have the legal right to a much larger amount. And once you accept an insurance offer, you may lose the right to any future compensation. In a high-stakes settlement negotiation, it takes the best car accident lawyers to come out on top.
- Impacts on Work: Any car accident that affects your ability to work can make a bad situation much worse. Not only will medical expenses pile up, but lost wages can make financial recovery take much longer. These factors should be accounted for during the insurance claim process.
- Your Bandwidth: If you’re not going to hire a lawyer, you need to be prepared to navigate the claim process and potentially the legal system. This is not impossible; however, handling a complex claim yourself will be very time-consuming.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer?
You should hire a lawyer if any factors in your accident might lead to an insurance company paying out less than what you’re legally entitled to. Particularly in cases where liability is unclear or the consequences of the accident extend beyond a straightforward injury claim or property damage.
For example, say you’re an artist, and you break your arm in a crash. An insurance company could pay for all your medical expenses after an accident. However, you may be unable to return to work for 1 to 2 months, which would cause a major income disruption and put a serious strain on your family. In this instance, a competent car accident lawyer would make the case to the insurance that your loss of income is an expense directly relevant to the accident, and they should be obligated to pay for it.
Will a Lawyer Actually get me More Money?
A lawyer’s job is to get you as much money as possible to cover your accident. But many people might wonder if they would receive a larger settlement by handling the case themselves. According to a study by NOLO, victims who hire lawyers have been proven to bring in more money for their personal injury claims.
- 91% of victims who hired a lawyer received a payout, compared to only 51% of victims without a lawyer.
- The average settlement with a lawyer was $77,600, whereas people without a lawyer only bring in $17,600.
How Does a Lawyer Help After a Car Crash?
A personal injury lawyer does far more than just file paperwork or represent you in court. Their primary role is to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation after a car accident. Here’s how they help:
- Investigating the Accident: Your attorney will gather police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and any evidence to establish liability and build a strong case.
- Communicating with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. A lawyer handles all communication on your behalf to ensure your statements aren’t twisted or used against you later.
- Calculating the Full Value of Your Claim: Beyond immediate medical bills, a lawyer will account for lost income, future treatment, pain and suffering, and other long-term consequences, so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
- Filing Legal Documents on Time: There are strict deadlines under California law for filing a personal injury claim. An attorney ensures nothing is missed, which could otherwise jeopardize your case.
- Representing You in Court (If Necessary): While many claims settle out of court, a good attorney will be prepared to take the case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
Hiring a lawyer means you have a professional advocate focused entirely on your best interests, while you focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
How Insurance Companies Actually Work
Many people assume their insurance company is there to help them after an accident, but it’s important to remember that insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, not necessarily to do what’s fair for you. This means paying out as little as possible on every claim, even when you’ve been a loyal customer for years.
Even when your claim is legitimate, insurance adjusters are trained to find ways to reduce or reject it. They may question your injuries, argue that you were partially at fault, or delay payments with excessive paperwork and technicalities.
Having a car accident attorney levels the playing field. Even if your insurance claim doesn’t turn into a court case, a good car accident attorney will make it immediately apparent if the insurance company is giving a fair offer.
How to Find the Right Lawyer
Many lawyers will charge huge fees for their legal expertise. This is why victims of car accidents choose Mr. Justice. It’s a top personal injury law firm, where we offer a free consultation, and we’ll work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay unless you win your case. The experienced attorneys working with Mr Justice know how difficult a car accident can be, and will fight to ensure you get fair compensation, including any future medical expenses that might arise. Click here to get a no-obligation consultation.
Are Personal Injury Lawyers Worth it?- FAQ
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost? Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, your attorney only gets paid if they win your case or negotiate a settlement on your behalf. This arrangement allows injury victims to access quality legal representation without the risk of out-of-pocket costs. If your lawyer doesn’t recover any money for you, you usually owe nothing for their services.
Learn more about the No Win, No Fee model.
Should I get a Lawyer for a Car Accident that was my Fault? Yes, it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer even if you think the accident was your fault. Determining liability isn’t always black and white. An attorney can help you understand your rights, protect you from taking on more blame than necessary, and ensure your side of the story is fully considered.
When is it Too Late to get a Lawyer for a Car Accident? In California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, even waiting a few weeks or months can hurt your case. Valuable evidence like surveillance footage, witness statements, or medical records can become harder to obtain.
Related Practice Areas
Last Updated on June 10, 2025
