If you have been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or other type of accident due to another’s negligence, you may be asking yourself, “Can I act as my own personal representative in pursuing a personal injury claim?” This is also referred to as being a pro se litigant or self-representing, instead of hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer. Before making that decision, consider what this could mean for you.
Will you find it difficult to be objective about your own case? As the pro se litigator, you need to objectively focus on the facts even if something is not in your favor.
Do you have the time needed to put together a comprehensive, effective case? It involves more than just collecting documentation, photographs, videos, medical records, statements, and other forms of evidence.
If these considerations do not sway you, then consider the following.
Questions? Call us at (877) 284-6600.
This is a general overview and does not cover every point in detail.
Full and Fair Compensation Without a lawyer to advocate on your behalf, you may not understand what should be offered and could end up accepting a settlement that is too low.
Legal Rights and Options A lawyer can help you make sense of your legal rights and options, advising you on the best course of action. This prevents you from misinterpreting or misunderstanding the laws involved, making decisions that are not in your best interest, or making mistakes that could affect the credibility of your case. Legal representation ensures your rights are protected.
Insurance Companies Insurance companies and claims adjusters may take advantage of you. Always remember, that insurance companies are for-profit entities. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible, which means if you don’t understand how they work, you can be at their mercy. Most personal injury lawyers understand how insurance companies operate and can use that knowledge to their advantage.
Legal Process Filing a personal injury claim can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if your accident resulted in serious or long-term injuries. A personal injury lawyer understands how and when a claim should be processed and filed. They will gather all the evidence needed to prove your case in court, know where to find medical records and have access to police reports and other necessary information
Deadlines There are strict deadlines for filing a personal injury claim, and states have different time restrictions before a claim becomes invalid. Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to seek compensation. A personal injury lawyer knows the laws and deadlines inside and out and will ensure they are met.
Expert Witnesses Expert witnesses can provide valuable testimony on your behalf. Without a lawyer, you may not have all the tools you need to prove your case, such as access to the right expert witnesses.
Legal Skills and Knowledge Putting a case together requires legal skills and knowledge, such as negotiation, evidence gathering, claim investigation, strategic case building, and holding responsible parties accountable.
Experienced personal injury lawyers know the legal system inside and out and will take the time to learn everything about your injury. When injuries require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, when liability is unclear, or when there are other factors involved, you might want to retain the services of a personal injury lawyer.
You want to focus on recovering from your injuries, which may include extensive rehabilitation. Meanwhile, a personal injury attorney can handle the tasks needed to obtain a fair settlement for you, which may mean going to trial.
When you need an assertive yet compassionate personal injury lawyer, contact the capable counsel of Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600. One of our experienced staff will speak with you personally and will provide you with a free, no-obligation review of your case. We have a successful track record of helping accident victims collect the compensation they deserve.
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Past results afford no guarantee of future results and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally written and published on February 15, 2023; it was reviewed for content and accuracy on February 5, 2025, and republished at that time.
