If you are seriously injured, the answer is yes.

My brother is an obstetrician.  I once asked him if all mothers needed an obstetrician to have a baby.  His response was, “Not really, only if you want to have the best chance of having a healthy baby.”

The same principal applies to personal injury claims.  If a person is injured seriously enough to need medical treatment to recover; that person needs an experienced personal injury lawyer.

There are numerous hazards concerning various liability and un/underinsured insurance policies, health insurance issues, and Medicare and Medicaid issues.  These should be handled by an experienced personal injury attorney who knows how to manage these issues. 

Although certain claims are similar, everyone’s claim is unique and needs an advocate to effectively organize, develop and execute a plan for that particular claim.

There are many pitfalls that need to be successfully navigated to see that a person is maximizing the value of the claim.  The two biggest problems that I see in people that try to handle their own claims are these: My case is worth lots and lots of money, when it is not; and 2 Is my case really worth anything, when it is.  Either mistake is going to be bad for the unrepresented claimant.

It is very important that you discuss your rights with an attorney before you discuss your injury claim with the insurance adjuster.  The insurance adjuster is NOT your advocate.  He or she is NOT on your side.  Remember, the insurance adjuster is trying to minimize the value of your claim.  Your attorney will maximize the value of your claim.