Do You Need to Hire a Lawyer for a Civil Lawsuit?

Personal injury lawsuits require patience, attention to detail, and much more, but they don’t legally require the plaintiff to retain an attorney. However, although there’s no legal obligation, their experience and legal knowledge can help guide you through the process and increase the probability of a favorable outcome. 

Some choose to forgo the cost of an attorney because they assume it’s too expensive or unnecessary, given the context. Still, there’s a wide range of legal responsibilities to handle and challenges you may have to overcome, all of which can leave you without compensation to cover the damage.

At Morgan and Morgan, we understand that cost can be a significant factor when selecting the legal team that represents you. That’s why we’ve made it so it costs nothing upfront or out-of-pocket to hire us, and you pay nothing if we don’t win. 

If you’ve been injured and want to understand more about your legal options, our team is here to help. Complete our free, no-risk case evaluation to learn more about your case and potential next steps.

When Do You Need to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Personal injury lawyers might not be legally required, but they can offer significant help and guidance during your legal journey, especially if there’s an injury. Often, injury cases can become contested and stagnate, which is why it’s recommended to team up with one sooner rather than later to ensure an efficient process.

Here are a few examples of situations that can benefit from the involvement of an attorney:

• You or someone in your vehicle was injured
• You have an injury that’s discovered well after the accident date but within the statute of limitations
• Insurance providers are unwilling to cooperate or honor full and fair compensation
• You’re unfamiliar with law and aren’t confident in your ability to meet legal deadlines and other obligations.

Even seemingly straightforward cases can derail and come to a screeching halt or fall out of your favor. For the best results, speak with a legal expert before you need to.

When Don’t You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Non-complicated situations not involving injuries or property damage might not require an attorney to reach a successful outcome. Insurance can solve situations with minor property damages or medical damages within policy limits. In more severe situations, attorneys can help ensure rightful restitution is awarded when legal challenges arise.

If you have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, you may not need a lawyer. No-fault car insurance states actually require this coverage to keep smaller claims from congesting the court system. No-fault car insurance states include:

• Florida
• Hawaii
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Puerto Rico
• Utah

Still, this coverage has a limit. If exceeded, you may want a lawyer to help you handle the claims process.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

The most prominent reason is their legal experience and knowledge. Specialized attorneys who have seen your situation before are better suited to handle the legal proceedings that you must follow to ensure a successful outcome. Their cost can also outweigh the price of paying for legal mistakes during the legal process, which can range from deposition fees to becoming ineligible for compensation entirely. 

Their involvement significantly improves your chances of reaching a favorable outcome. At Morgan and Morgan, we can help you advocate for your rights for no upfront or out-of-pocket costs.

If You Need a Lawyer, Contact Morgan and Morgan

Although not legally required, hiring an attorney for a civil lawsuit offers some decisive advantages that those considering legal action shouldn’t ignore. Our team is here to help you learn more about your situation and, if you have a case, assist you in navigating the legal process and reaching the best possible outcome.

Don’t gamble with something as important as the compensation you need to recover after an accident. Complete our free, no-obligation case evaluation to get started with America’s largest personal injury firm – for no upfront costs.