With the manner in which law firms put up advertisements related to personal injury cases, it is easy to think that everyone who has ever been an accident caused by someone else should get an attorney. One article states puts it this way, “The advertisement typically says you are is being screwed over by the insurance company and a personal injury attorney should be there to make it right.” While it is true that there are times when a car accident requires the involvement of a personal injury attorney in order to deal with insurance companies, doctors and other complexities associated with serious car accidents; there are situations where hiring an attorney is not necessary.

“The reality is not all situations call for a personal injury attorney. However, depending on the circumstances surrounding your personal injury case it is advisable to seek advice from a personal injury attorney as to whether or not you require his or her assistance. It is not uncommon for attorneys to tell you right off the bat that they will not take your case as you can successfully handle it on your own. Most law firm websites allow potential clients to chat with an attorney online or come in for a free first consultation to determine whether or not they require the services of a personal injury attorney”, a Crowson Law Group attorney commented.

There are a number of instances in cases where it is likely that the plaintiff will not require the services of a lawyer after the accident. For example, there are some accidents where the only damage was to the vehicles. If you generally were not hurt and there was no other vehicle occupant or pedestrian who was hurt and no injury resulted in you missing more than one or two days from work; it may not be worth pursuing a personal injury case. However, it is of the utmost importance to be sure that you have no injuries. “What might seem like a minor or non-injury today could turn out to be a significant injury in 24 hours.” Therefore, if you were in a car at the time of the accident it is always good to get a doctor to look you over in order to ensure that you have no injuries.

Another instance where it is not necessary to enlist the services of a personal injury lawyer is whereby the potential recovery of your claim is so small that it does not justify the expense of having an attorney. For example, if most of the damage was to your code that was worth $2000 there is not much an attorney can do in order for you to be awarded a much higher compensation amount.

In some car accident cases the compensation recovery is so small that the case ends up in small claims court. While you have a right to an attorney being present for your case in the small claims court the law firm will want a fee for their services and this fee could easily be more than what you are awarded in the court. 

Cases where you need an attorney on your side is when a car accident results in broken bones, long hospital stays, a death, medical treatment costing more than $2000, missing more than a few days of work or school, non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, the insurance company is being aggressive, etc. For legal advice and representation for a car accident in Anchorage Alaska contact a law firm of renowned professionals.