When is it best to handle a car accident yourself without a lawyer?

Generally, it is not best to handle a car accident by yourself. This is because attorneys trained in getting damages for car accident victims are more savvy when it comes to assessing proper damage awards, navigating the legal system in general, and knowing the process as well as if particular insurance companies are more likely to settle or fight the matter.

However, sometimes getting an attorney might not be possible. An attorney may be too expensive, the injuries might not be severe or the case might simply not be profitable enough for an attorney to take it. As a general rule, you should not try to handle a car accident matter by yourself even if you are an attorney in general.

There are situations where it is okay, though not advisable, to work without legal counsel. If the victim is a personal injury attorney specializing in these cases or works closely with one, the victim might be educated enough to know what type of evidence to gather for a proper claim as well as how a particular insurance company handles similar matters (and what constitutes a good or bad settlement figure). A victim could also handle the case without a lawyer if the injuries are minor or there is no debate on the severity and scope of the victim's injuries.