Do I Really Need a Lawyer?

You’ve been wronged. You’ve been injured. You’ve been cheated. There are times when you know you need to seek legal action, but the question remains: do I really need an attorney? The answer: maybe. Ok. So that answer may not seem to help a whole lot, but the fact is, there are several factors to consider before seeking legal representation. There are a lot of instances where a lawyer might not be needed, or might actually overcomplicate a case. There are other times, however, when a Lawyer is absolutely necessary, and failure to secure representation can cause irreparable damage to the situation. The first thing to take into consideration is the extent of the damage. Are the injuries permanent? If you possess your own Personal Injury Protection coverage and collision insurance, and there is no disagreement regarding fault between the two parties, then a lawyer would usually not be advised, and certainly not required. On the other hand, there are circumstances when a lawyer is absolutely necessary. Any sustained injury resulting in a hospital visit; resulting in broken bones, burns or serious cuts; temporary loss or altered consciousness; or result in symptoms three to four weeks after the accident are good grounds to consult a lawyer. Any injury to child, persons other than yourself, or if it is not entirely clear who is at fault, a lawyer is also recommended. Finally, any dispute with the insurance companies—either yours or the opposing party’s—regarding denial of coverage is also grounds for legal representation. Folks will sometimes argue, that a case may be so small that self-representation will not be too difficult. Before you think this is a safe route, consider what it takes to become a lawyer: four years of undergraduate study, three years of law school, and successfully passing the bar exam. During this time, they studied not only mountains of law proceedings, but also learned how the courts actually function. Courts vary from state to state, and are far from what you see on TV. Your attorney will be familiar with all these practices, and will be able to navigate the process smoothly. Legal representation also shows the insurance company and defending parties that you are serious and plan to utilize the legal system to ensure justice is served. Legal representation will also be able to read and review all the documents the insurance company sends your way, and insure you are not forfeiting any of your legal rights. A lawyer might not be for any one, and might not be right for you. However, the path to justice can often be narrow and tricky, and it never hurts to be over prepared, especially when it concerns your rights.