If you've been injured in a car accident that wasn't your fault, you may be wondering whether you really need an attorney. After all, the insurance company is already involved, and perhaps the adjuster seems helpful. Why not handle the claim yourself and save the attorney's fee?
It's a reasonable question. But if you've suffered an injury, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your interests.
Does hiring an attorney make a difference in your settlement?
For years, personal injury attorneys have pointed to research from the Insurance Research Council (IRC), an organization supported by the insurance industry, showing differences in payments between people who hire attorneys and those who handle claims themselves.
In July 2026, the IRC released a new study examining more than 7.4 million auto injury claims from nine insurers, covering claims closed between mid-2017 and mid-2022. The study confirmed that attorney involvement is common in injury claims. However, it also raised questions about how attorney fees, medical expenses, and longer settlement times affect what injured people ultimately receive.
That's an important distinction. A larger settlement doesn't necessarily mean more money in your pocket, and research comparing represented and unrepresented claimants doesn't tell us what would have happened in any one person's case.
The real question is whether an attorney can help you obtain a better outcome based on your injuries, available insurance coverage, and the circumstances of your accident.
What can a personal injury lawyer do that I can't?
Insurance adjusters handle claims every day. Most people injured in car accidents do not.
An experienced attorney understands how insurance companies evaluate claims, what documentation they need, and how to challenge an offer that doesn't fairly reflect the injuries and losses involved.
For example, an attorney can help:
Gather medical records and other evidence supporting your injuries.
Identify available insurance coverage and benefits.
Evaluate an insurance company's settlement offer.
Negotiate with the insurer on your behalf.
Protect you from signing a settlement agreement before understanding what rights you may be giving up.
Once you accept a final settlement and sign a release, you may lose the right to seek additional compensation for that claim, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you originally expected.
That's why having someone review your case before you settle can be so valuable.
But won't the attorney take part of my settlement?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means their fee is generally calculated as a percentage of the amount recovered, rather than an hourly charge.
A one-third fee is common, although the actual percentage, responsibility for expenses, and payment terms depend on the written agreement.
Naturally, people wonder whether paying an attorney leaves them with less money. The answer depends on the case. An attorney may be able to identify additional compensation, challenge disputed liability, or negotiate a better settlement.
But no attorney can guarantee that the additional recovery will exceed the legal fees and expenses.
The important thing is to understand the fee agreement and the potential value of legal representation before deciding how to proceed.
What if my accident only caused damage to my car?
That's a different situation.
If nobody was injured and the dispute involves only vehicle repairs or property damage, hiring a personal injury attorney may not be necessary or cost-effective.
But when you're injured, the situation becomes more complicated. Medical bills, lost wages, ongoing treatment, and the possibility of future medical problems can all affect the value of a claim.
So, should I hire an attorney?
If you've been injured in a car accident, the recommendation is simple: at least speak with an experienced personal injury attorney before trying to settle the claim yourself.
Your health comes first. Get the medical attention you need, and make sure you follow up with your regular doctor when appropriate.
Then get legal advice.
At the Law Office of Louis S. Haskell in Lowell, Massachusetts, we help injured clients understand their rights, deal with insurance companies, and pursue compensation supported by the facts of their cases.
You don't have to navigate the insurance claims process alone.
TL;DR
Consult a personal injury lawyer after a car accident involving injuries.
An attorney can protect your rights and negotiate fair compensation.
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.
Seek legal advice before accepting an insurance settlement.
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