Accidents happen, but when they result in injuries, medical bills, and lost wages, things can get complicated fast. Many people assume they can handle their personal injury claims on their own—until they realize just how overwhelming the process can be.
So, how do you know if you actually need a lawyer? Here are eight clear signs that hiring a personal injury attorney is the right move.
1. Your Injuries Are Serious or Long-Term
Minor scrapes and bruises might not require legal action, but if your injuries are significant, you need to consider the long-term consequences. Medical treatments, surgeries, therapy, and even permanent disabilities can affect your quality of life and ability to work.
Insurance companies will often try to downplay the severity of your injuries, offering quick settlements that don’t cover long-term costs. A lawyer ensures you get the compensation you actually need—not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
2. The Insurance Company Is Giving You the Runaround
If dealing with the insurance company feels like an uphill battle, that’s a red flag. They might delay your claim, dispute liability, or make lowball offers that barely cover your expenses. Some even try to pressure victims into accepting a settlement before they understand the full extent of their damages.
A Des Moines personal injury attorney knows how to negotiate with insurance companies and won’t let them take advantage of you. They handle the back-and-forth so you can focus on recovery.
3. There’s a Dispute Over Who’s at Fault
If the other party is denying responsibility or the insurance company is questioning liability, you could be in for a tough fight. Without clear evidence, proving fault can be difficult—especially if the accident involved multiple parties or conflicting reports.
Lawyers have the resources to investigate your case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and even bring in experts to reconstruct the accident if needed. The stronger your case, the better your chances of receiving fair compensation.
4. You’re Losing Money Due to Medical Bills and Lost Wages
When an injury keeps you from working, your financial situation can spiral quickly. If you’re struggling to pay medical bills or make ends meet because you can’t work, you deserve compensation.
A personal injury lawyer helps calculate both current and future financial losses, ensuring you’re not shortchanged in your claim. They fight for every dollar you’re owed, so you don’t have to suffer financially for someone else’s negligence.
5. You Were in an Accident with a Commercial Vehicle or Business
Accidents involving commercial vehicles, businesses, or public entities can be especially complicated. These cases often involve large corporations, legal teams, and aggressive insurance adjusters who want to limit payouts.
A personal injury lawyer understands how to take on big companies and navigate the legal complexities involved in these cases. Without one, you risk being outmatched and undercompensated.
6. The Settlement Offer Seems Too Low
If you’ve received an offer but something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct. Insurance companies don’t hand out generous settlements—they aim to pay as little as possible. If their first offer barely covers your medical bills, let alone lost wages and pain and suffering, it’s probably not enough.
Lawyers know how to calculate the true value of your claim, factoring in both economic and non-economic damages. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly, your attorney can take them to court.
7. The Other Party Has a Lawyer
If the at-fault party has legal representation, you’re at an immediate disadvantage without a lawyer of your own. Their attorney will work to minimize their client’s liability and payout, leaving you vulnerable to an unfair outcome.
Having your own lawyer levels the playing field. They protect your rights, counter legal arguments, and ensure you don’t get pressured into an unfavorable settlement.
8. You’re Feeling Overwhelmed by the Legal Process
Filing a personal injury claim isn’t just about submitting paperwork—it’s about knowing deadlines, negotiating settlements, gathering evidence, and understanding legal nuances. If you’re feeling lost or unsure about the process, that’s completely normal.
A personal injury lawyer takes on the legal burden so you don’t have to. They handle everything from filing claims to negotiating settlements or going to trial if necessary. This allows you to focus on your recovery while they fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to consider hiring a personal injury lawyer. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of building a strong case and securing fair compensation.
Waiting too long can hurt your claim, as evidence can disappear, witnesses can forget details, and statutes of limitations may expire. A lawyer ensures your rights are protected from day one.
You don’t have to navigate this process alone. If you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, or legal headaches after an accident, speaking with an attorney could be the best decision you make.
