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Can I handle my own personal injury claim?

You can often handle your own claim. Handling most injury insurance claims is a straightforward matter that doesn't require special legal expertise or skills. What you most need is quality information about how the insurance claims process works and a sound understanding of the facts of your injury case. Armed with this knowledge, it's possible to avoid both lawyer's fees and unfair treatment by insurance companies.

You may be able to handle the following types of claims on your own:

• automobile, cycle or pedestrian accidents
• slip and fall accidents
• home accidents, and
• accidents involving defective products.

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Are there types of personal injury claims that I shouldn't try to handle on my own?

While it's often possible to handle your own injury claim, there are certain circumstances in which a lawyer's help is essential. These include:

• accidents that result in long-term or permanently disabling injuries
• accidents that cause very severe injuries
• accidents involving exposure to toxic materials
• medical malpractice cases, and
• situations in which an insurance company is stonewalling you by refusing to pay anything for a legitimate injury claim.

If your case involves any of these elements, it's wise to at least consult with an experienced and trustworthy personal injury lawyer.

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How can I find a good personal injury lawyer?

If you need to locate a good lawyer to help with your personal injury claim, there are several steps you should take. But first, a warning: Even if you're in a hurry, don't turn to Internet, TV, or radio advertising to pick your lawyer. There are far better ways to find someone who has experience and is competent to take your case.

Begin by talking with friends, acquaintances, and other lawyers you know. Any of these folks may be able to recommend a personal injury lawyer that they like. You can also call your local bar association for lawyer referrals. But even after you have a few suggestions in hand, don't choose a lawyer before you meet with him or her to discuss your case. You'll want to get a good sense of the lawyer's experience handling claimants' personal injury cases -- and a clear idea of how the lawyer wants to proceed with your case. You can establish these things in an initial interview with the lawyer, which should be free of charge.

Once you've found a lawyer you like, you'll need to create a clear, written fee agreement with him or her -- and then keep in good touch to be sure the lawyer is handling your case as you expect.

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