Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney or Handle My Case Myself?

Let’s examine some critical differences between hiring a personal injury attorney and attempting to DIY your claim, to help you make an informed decision about pursuing your case.

The Reality Behind “Simple” Claims

Many accident victims underestimate the challenges of personal injury cases. Even in minor car crashes, injuries like whiplash or soft-tissue trauma may not appear immediately – and insurance companies often use that delay to downplay your claim.

As Montlick attorney Alyssa White explained on Lawyers in the House®, “Even the smallest accidents can cause big injuries. And one of the common tactics that an insurance company will use is… [to say] …’it wasn’t a big bad accident. How could you possibly be hurt?’”
Without an attorney to present medical evidence, you risk settling before fully understanding your injuries – or worse, signing away your right to future compensation.

Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may sound helpful, but their job is to protect company profits, not your recovery. Speaking directly with an insurer after a crash can backfire – they can record your words and use them to deny or reduce your claim.
A skilled attorney knows how to:

• Handle communications and negotiations with insurers.
• Identify and prevent “lowball” settlement tactics.
• Demand evidence from at-fault parties under Georgia law.

When you hire a personal injury attorney, they manage insurance negotiations, freeing you from stress and protecting you from costly mistakes.

Representing Yourself Risks Missing Critical Deadlines

In Georgia, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the accident date. However, some exceptions and important notice requirements exist for government claims, minors, or delayed discovery of injuries. By representing yourself you may lose your right to recover simply because you misunderstand these time limits.

Legal Representation Prevents Costly Errors

Without legal training, it’s easy to make critical missteps, such as:

• Admitting fault prematurely
• Missing insurance filing deadlines
• Failing to document medical care
• Accepting a settlement that waives your right to sue

These mistakes can permanently limit your recovery. A dedicated personal injury attorney ensures every action supports your long-term best interest.

Evidence Collection and Case Building Take Legal Expertise

Proving negligence is far more complicated than just proving that you were injured and submitting medical bills to the insurance company. You need:

• Police reports
• Eyewitness statements
• Expert testimony
• Medical records linking injuries to the incident

For example, when necessary, Montlick relies on a team of investigators, accident reconstructionists, and medical professionals to build a strong, evidence-backed case.

Emotional Support – and Peace of Mind

A personal injury isn’t just a legal problem – it’s a major life disruption. Montlick’s attorneys understand the emotional and financial toll an accident can take, and the guidance and support that clients require. As attorney Alan Saltzman explained, “You should never have to supervise your lawyer…You should be treated like family.”

As Montlick attorney Jason Saltzman shared, “Every case has an actual attorney on it, and all of the clients are able to access their attorneys.”
This direct access ensures personalized care and peace of mind that can be difficult to replicate when representing yourself. Hiring a compassionate, experienced legal team means you can focus on healing while your attorney focuses on justice.

Our Attorneys Maximize Compensation – and You Don’t Pay Unless You Win

The difference between representing yourself and a professionally handled case can be life-changing. While doing some DIY around the house can be rewarding and save some money, trying to DIY your own claim often costs you more money. When you represent yourself you may accept the first offer, unaware of future costs like physical therapy, missed wages, or long-term pain management. Montlick’s experienced legal team calculates the full value of your claim, including both economic and non-economic damages.

Montlick Injury Attorneys have been fighting for injured clients since 1984 – recovering billions in verdicts and settlements while treating every client with respect and care. Best of all, we work on a contingency fee basis – meaning you pay us nothing unless we win your case.

If you’ve been injured in Georgia or the Southeast, don’t go it alone. Call 1-800-LAW-NEED, dial #WIN (#946) from your cell, or visit Montlick.com to schedule your free consultation today.