When it comes to hiring a lawyer after a car accident, what you read on popular Internet forums isn't always true. So let's debunk 7 common misconceptions that have actually prevented people from calling a personal injury attorney.
1. “I can’t afford a lawyer.”
This is one of the most common worries, but it’s based on a misunderstanding. Car accident injury lawyers almost always work on a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if you get paid. There are no upfront costs, no hourly rates, and no retainers.
If your case doesn’t result in a settlement or verdict, you owe nothing. This arrangement is designed to make legal help accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation.
If your case doesn’t result in a settlement or verdict, you owe nothing. This arrangement is designed to make legal help accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation.
2. “The insurance company will treat me fairly.”
Insurance adjusters might sound friendly, but their job is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line—not to advocate for you. They’re trained to minimize payouts and may use tactics to get you to settle quickly, before you understand the full extent of your injuries or the long-term impact of the accident.
A good attorney knows these tactics and can help you push back, making sure your claim reflects the real costs of your injury—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
A good attorney knows these tactics and can help you push back, making sure your claim reflects the real costs of your injury—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
3. “I don’t need a lawyer for a minor accident.”
Even if the damage seems small or your injuries seem mild, issues can appear weeks or even months later. Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries may not show symptoms right away. Also, what might look like a "fender bender" can still involve complex liability issues or undervalued property damage.
Having a lawyer ensures your case is taken seriously and nothing gets overlooked or dismissed too early.
Having a lawyer ensures your case is taken seriously and nothing gets overlooked or dismissed too early.
4. “Hiring a lawyer means going to court.”
This scares people off—but the truth is, most personal injury cases never go to trial. A good attorney will do everything possible to reach a fair settlement outside of court. Just having a lawyer involved signals to the insurance company that you're serious, and that alone can lead to better offers.
But if going to court becomes necessary, your lawyer will be prepared to fight for you.
But if going to court becomes necessary, your lawyer will be prepared to fight for you.
5. “Lawyers just drag things out to make more money.”
In car accident injury cases, a lawyer’s fee is based on the outcome—not on the time it takes. That means they don’t benefit from dragging things out. Their goal is the same as yours: to get a fair result as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Some cases naturally take longer, especially when medical treatment is ongoing or liability is being disputed, but delays aren't in anyone's financial interest.
Some cases naturally take longer, especially when medical treatment is ongoing or liability is being disputed, but delays aren't in anyone's financial interest.
6. “All injury lawyers are the same.”
Like any profession, there’s a wide range in experience, philosophy, and personal attention. A lot of large firms take a high-volume approach, handling hundreds of cases at a time and aiming for fast settlements.
Others, especially smaller firms, take the time to build relationships with their clients, stay personally involved, and fight for maximum recovery. The difference can be night and day—so it’s worth asking how your case will actually be handled before you sign anything.
Others, especially smaller firms, take the time to build relationships with their clients, stay personally involved, and fight for maximum recovery. The difference can be night and day—so it’s worth asking how your case will actually be handled before you sign anything.
7. “If I file a claim, I’m suing someone.”
This is a big misunderstanding. Filing an injury claim is usually about dealing with an insurance company, not attacking another person. Even if the other driver was at fault, the claim is made against their insurance policy, not out of their pocket.
Lawsuits are a last resort if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer. In most cases, it’s simply about using the system that’s already in place to get help with medical bills, car repairs, lost income, and other damages.
Lawsuits are a last resort if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer. In most cases, it’s simply about using the system that’s already in place to get help with medical bills, car repairs, lost income, and other damages.
Please don't go off of the advice you get from a public Internet forum. Alisa Wilkes is an actual car accident injury attorney in Jacksonville, FL and can help you figure out your next steps.