My brother is an obstetrician. I once asked him if all mothers needed an obstetrician to have a baby. His response was not really, only if you want to have the best chance of having a healthy baby.

The same principal applies to the majority of real injury claims. If a person really is injured and really needs treatment to recover, in my opinion, that individual would definitely benefit from a lawyer.

While the majority of people are certainly smart enough to handle their own cases, very few have been properly trained and have enough experience to deal effectively with insurance companies and their professional claims adjusting employees.

Although certain claims are similar, everyone's claim is unique and needs an advocate to effectively organize, develop and execute a plan for that particular claim.

There are many pitfalls that need to be successfully navigated to see that a person is maximizing the value of the claim. The two biggest problems that I see in people that try to handle their own claims are these: my case is worth lots and lots of money, when it is not and is my case really worth anything, when it is. Either mistake is going to be bad for the unrepresented claimant.

There are other numerous hazards concerning various liability and un/underinsured insurance policies, health insurance issues, and Medicare and Medicaid issues.

If you are not hurt badly enough to need to see a doctor and need some type of treatment for some length of time then you probably do not need a lawyer. If you are hurt seriously, you do need one.

It is very important that you discuss your rights with an attorney before you discuss your injury claim with the insurance adjuster. The insurance adjuster is NOT your advocate. He or she is NOT on your side. Remember, the insurance adjuster is trying to minimize the value of your claim. Your attorney will try to maximize the value of your claim.