General Information

Myths About Lawyers

Hiring a lawyer will make the case take longer to finish.
The amount of time it takes to finish a case is really a function of how long you are treating with you doctor.  You should not negotiate a settlement while you are still treating.  Doing so could mean that not all of your medical care would be covered.  If a person without a lawyer is doing things the right way, it would take just as long to resolve the case as it would without a lawyer.  The reason people often settle faster without a lawyer is because they missed portions of their recovery, were taken advantage of by the adjuster, or because they simply took what was offered without fighting for the best settlement they could obtain.

The lawyer will get all the money.
Most personal injury lawyers get paid by taking a percentage off the total offer of settlement by the insurance company.  With a reputable and experienced lawyer they will be aware when you reach pivotal moments in your case, and can advise you as to what your decisions could do to your potential settlement.  For example:  If you allow your medical costs to go to high, based on the facts of your accident and the policy limits of the defendant,  you medical costs could reach a point that there was not enough money to pay for you actual medical expenses and your pain and suffering.  Since the attorney is only taking a percentage, the attorney cannot take “all” the money. 

You can do just as well on your own.
In fact, a good lawyer is more likely to get you more money than you could on your own*, and is more likely to know how to protect your award from unjustified liens.

*1995 Allstate Training Manual states in part,” … in settlements under $15,000, claimants with an attorney averaged $7,450, those dealing with Allstate on their own averaged $3,464.”