Can I Make a St. Louis Car Accident Claim by Myself?

If you suffer an injury from a car accident, you will need to make a personal injury claim. Some victims in this situation choose to make their claim by themselves. They believe that the process will be simple, easy to navigate, and will end in a favorable deal. While the personal injury system might sound simple, it is often more complicated than victims initially believe. Ultimately, there are some scenarios when handling your own case may make sense, and others when hiring a St. Louis auto accident lawyer is essential. Below, we will detail the positives and negatives of self-representation.

The Optimal Scenario

After your car accident and subsequent injury, you could decide to take on your claim alone. In the best case scenario the other driver in your crash will be reasonable, both of your insurance companies will be fair, and you come out of your accident with a fair settlement offer that pays for all of your expenses. Unfortunately, this is not the way many claims go.

Where It Can Go Wrong

There are many ways self-representation can go badly. One of the most common is lowball settlement offers. An untrained person might not know the difference between a fair and an unfair deal. This will lead to them taking less money than they are entitled to. Another is a lack of evidence. You might not gather all of the evidence you need to make your claim. Not only will this make your settlement offer lower, but if you are forced to go to court, you may stand little to no chance against a legal professional.

When It Makes Sense

The primary situation where self-representation makes sense is when your injuries are not severe. There are two things you need the know about this situation, though. First, you need to consult with a doctor to confirm that your injuries are not severe. Some injuries take time to develop symptoms, and you don’t want to settle for less than you deserve. The second is that even if your injuries are manageable, you still might get an unfair offer from an insurance company. In this case, you will want to hire a lawyer. Regardless of your situation, it is important to at least schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney before making the decision to represent yourself.

When It Doesn’t

If your case has any significant level of complexity, you should hire a lawyer. That can come in the form of unfair insurance companies, dishonest drivers, severe injuries, or difficulty with proving your case.

Whether you have been involved in a severe accident or an accident that resulted in minor injuries, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced attorney. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 to learn more about your legal right to compensation.