After an accident or injury, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to do next. You might wonder, “Is this something I can handle on my own?” or “Do I really need a lawyer?” It’s a fair question—especially when insurance companies seem eager to settle or you’re not sure how serious your injuries really are.
While not every situation requires legal help, many people wait too long to get it—and that delay can cost them more than they realize.
Below, our friends at Mickey Keenan P.A. to break down when hiring an injury lawyer makes sense and how to tell if your case might benefit from legal support.
First, Ask Yourself These 3 Questions:
Before diving deeper, here are three questions that can help determine whether you need to talk to an attorney:
- Was someone else’s negligence involved?
(Think: distracted drivers, unsafe property conditions, or defective products.) - Have you experienced injuries, medical expenses, or missed work?
Even non-catastrophic injuries can impact your life significantly. - Is the insurance company delaying, denying, or underpaying your claim?
If so, you could be settling for less than you deserve.
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, you may want to speak to a personal injury lawyer.
Situations Where A Lawyer Can Make A Big Difference
Not all injuries are the same—and neither are all claims. But in general, the more complex your situation, the more helpful it is to have professional guidance.
Here are some specific circumstances where hiring a lawyer is highly recommended:
Your Injuries Are Severe Or Long-Term
In cases involving:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery or ongoing medical care
- Permanent disability or reduced mobility
…it’s critical to work with an attorney who can calculate future costs, not just current bills. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly and cheaply—before you realize the long-term financial impact.
Liability Is Unclear Or Shared
If the other party is blaming you—or you’re partially at fault—navigating shared liability laws can get tricky fast. Many states follow comparative negligence rules, which reduce your compensation based on your percentage of fault.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help:
- Gather evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Protect your rights under complex liability rules
Multiple Parties Are Involved
Multi-vehicle crashes, commercial trucking accidents, or injuries on shared properties can involve multiple at-fault parties, each with their own insurance company.
More parties = more complexity. A lawyer can manage communication and negotiations across all fronts while building a strong case on your behalf.
The Insurance Company Isn’t Playing Fair
Even if you have a clear case and documented injuries, insurance companies often:
- Delay processing your claim
- Offer low settlements
- Ask for unnecessary paperwork
- Deny legitimate claims outright
An attorney can step in to handle these negotiations, increasing the chances of a fair settlement. In fact, injury victims represented by lawyers statistically receive larger payouts than those who go it alone.