If you have been injured in an accident, you may wonder if you will need a lawyer to get compensation for your injuries. According to lawyer Pendergrass, professional representation is advisable most of the time, though there are a handful of situations in which you can handle your own claim.

Were You Injured?

When you have an accident, you should always go to the doctor even if you feel just fine. Some injuries may not be apparent right away. A doctor can X-ray you to check for internal injuries.

If you have a clean bill of health and just need minor repairs to your car, you can probably handle the claim yourself.

If your injuries were at all serious, you should get an attorney. A personal injury attorney will calculate how much your injuries are worth because they will know which medical bills should be included in your claim. They will also be able to advise you on whether or not you are entitled to money for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages.

Did the insurance company offer you a fair amount of money?

After you have an accident, you should file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company as soon as possible. An insurance adjuster will investigate and either approve or deny that claim.

In most cases, the amount of money they offer you will not be what your injuries and damages to your vehicle are worth. A personal injury attorney can negotiate with an insurance adjuster and get you the money that you deserve.

In a case where your bills are extremely low, the settlement offer can pay for those bills. If your injuries are nominal and your car’s damage is paid for, it may not be worth it to get an attorney. In other cases, they may make you an offer that is so close to what you want that getting a lawyer may not be worth it.

If you hire an attorney to negotiate for you, it will take a bit longer, and they will take a percentage of your final settlement. The best thing to do is consult with an attorney, show them the evidence and documentation that you have, and ask them if they think it is worth it to ask for more money.

An attorney will have years of experience dealing with insurance policies and insurance adjusters and will be able to tell you if they think you can get a better offer.

Does the other party admit guilt?

Any lawyer will tell you not to admit to guilt at the scene. It can be used as evidence against you, and your insurance will have to pay if you do.

If the other driver or drivers who were involved in the accident caused the accident, and they admit it, you may be able to represent yourself. You should only do this if your injuries are very clearly the result of the accident. For example, if you broke your arm due to the crash and the other person admits to being at fault, the insurance company will have no excuse to deny your claim.

If your injuries are internal or more complex, the insurance company may try to say the injuries were pre-existing.

It is always a good idea to at least talk to an attorney before you accept a settlement. Your health is very important, and you should get as much money as you need to feel better.