You may not need a lawyer for every minor fender-bender, but an attorney is essential in
many situations:
When to consult an attorney:
- Significant injuries requiring ongoing care or surgery.
- Permanent impairment, disfigurement, or cognitive injury.
- High medical bills or lost income that exceed insurance limits.
- Liability disputes, complex evidence, or multiple parties.
- Insurance company denies fault or offers an unreasonably low settlement.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist claims.
- Hit-and-run crashes or involvement of commercial vehicles.
- When third-party claims (product defect, government liability) may apply.
What a lawyer does for you: - Investigates liability, obtains reports, and preserves evidence.
- Coordinates medical experts and projected future care costs.
- Handles communications and negotiations with insurers.
- Files suit if necessary and represents you in litigation.
- Advises on liens (Medicare, Medi-Cal, health insurers) and net recovery.
Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency—no attorney fee unless you recover —
which reduces upfront risk for injured clients. A short consultation helps determine if
representation will materially improve your outcome.