Do I Really Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
When you're in a car crash in Los Angeles, life can change in an instant. Between medical bills, car repairs, missed work, and endless insurance calls, it's normal to wonder:
"Do I really need a lawyer after a car accident?"
At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we hear this question every day. As experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyers, we've helped thousands of accident victims protect their rights, recover fair compensation, and get their lives back on track. Here's what you should know before making that decision.
Why This Question Matters
Insurance companies may seem friendly—but their job is to minimize what they pay, not maximize what you receive. Without experienced guidance, you could lose out on substantial compensation.
Here's why having a lawyer matters:
- Injuries can worsen over time. Whiplash, back pain, or concussions often don't fully show up until days later.
- Fault is often disputed. Multi-vehicle collisions or rideshare accidents can complicate liability.
- Insurance pressure is real. Adjusters may push you to take a quick, lowball settlement.
- Legal deadlines are strict. In California, most injury claims must be filed within two years.
A seasoned car accident attorney ensures your claim is valued correctly and your rights are fully protected.
When You Probably Don't Need a Lawyer
If you were in a minor car accident and you were not injured, or your injuries are minor (just a few doctor visits), you probably don't need a lawyer. But if the damage to your car was significant (e.g., over $3,000) and your injuries were more than minor, it's a good idea to at least talk to a personal injury lawyer.
Our firm provides free consultations, so there is nothing to lose. Also, because of how we're paid, you can rest assured that we won't take your case unless we are confident that we will be successful in getting more for you. That's because we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing upfront to hire us, and we only get paid if we win your case.
When You Absolutely Should Hire a Lawyer
If your crash involved significant injuries, disputed fault, or long-term consequences, hiring a lawyer can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. You should contact McGee Lerer Ogrin immediately if:
- You suffered serious or lasting injuries
- Fault is unclear or multiple drivers are involved
- The other driver is uninsured or underinsured
- The other driver's adjuster makes you a quick settlement offer
- The accident involved a rideshare, delivery vehicle, or commercial truck
- A loved one was killed or catastrophically injured
Examples of "More Than Minor Injuries"
You should contact us if you experience any of the following:
You went to the emergency room or urgent care
You suffered a concussion — possible symptoms you experienced:
- Headaches, blacked out, dizziness, dazed, confused
- Nausea, ringing in the ears
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Difficulty finding the right word, memory loss
You have neck pain, with radiating numbness and tingling down your arms, or low back pain, with radiating numbness and tingling down your legs
It's been a month since the accident, and your pain is not getting better
The reason you need a lawyer if your injuries were more than minor is that your claim has more value. Insurance companies don't like to part with their money. The more value your case has, the more the insurance company will fight to pay you as little as possible. If your injuries were serious, there is more at stake, and you should have the protection of an experienced car accident attorney who will fight to get you maximum compensation.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
What You're Entitled To After a Car Accident
After a car accident, you are entitled to compensation for:
- Property damage
- Rental car
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
Our job is to get you as much money as possible. In order to maximize the value of your case, our attorneys will make sure you get the medical treatment you need so that all of your injuries are diagnosed. It's also important that there are no delays or gaps in medical treatment. Delays or gaps will be used against you by the insurance company, who will argue that if your injuries are serious, you would have sought treatment right away.
Why Admitting Fault Isn't Enough
You may think that you don't need to hire an attorney because the other driver admitted fault. That is incorrect. Admitting fault is only half of the battle. The other half is getting full value for your case. Even if the other driver's insurance company admits liability, the adjuster will still try to short-change you with a lowball settlement offer. Don't let the insurance company take advantage of you. Your injuries may affect you for the rest of your life. You may need future medical treatment. You should protect yourself by at least running your case by a car accident lawyer.
Our personal injury lawyers are available 24/7 for a free consultation. We'll give you our honest assessment as to whether you need a lawyer. Even if your case is too small for us to take on, or you were at fault for the accident, we are happy to give you free advice.
What Happens If You Don't Hire a Lawyer
Handling a claim on your own might seem cost-effective, but it can lead to costly mistakes:
- Undervalued settlements: Insurance companies routinely underpay unrepresented claimants.
- Missed damages: You might overlook future medical care, lost earnings, or pain and suffering.
- Procedural errors: Missing filing deadlines can destroy your claim.
Statistically, injury victims who hire an attorney recover significantly higher settlements and end up with more in their pockets than those who don't.
How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Lawyer
When searching for the best personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles, keep these questions in mind:
- How much experience does the lawyer have with car accident cases like yours?
- Who will handle your case—an experienced attorney or a case manager?
- What is the firm's track record for settlements and verdicts?
- How do they communicate and keep you updated?
- Does the firm actually litigate and try personal injury cases, or do they only handle them pre-litigation and refer them out if they can't settle?
Our firm prides itself on honesty, accessibility, and aggressive advocacy. Each case receives direct attention from a partner-level attorney.
Why Los Angeles Trusts McGee Lerer Ogrin
For more than 35 years, McGee Lerer Ogrin has represented accident victims across Los Angeles County—from Santa Monica and Pasadena to Long Beach, Downtown LA, and Santa Clarita.
We've recovered millions of dollars for people injured by negligent drivers, rideshare companies, and trucking carriers. Our experience and resources allow us to build strong cases and fight for the maximum recovery our clients deserve.
Los Angeles Car Accident FAQs
Do I really need a lawyer after a car accident?
Yes—especially if you have injuries, disputed fault, or early settlement pressure. A lawyer protects you from insurer tactics and ensures your claim includes future costs. However, if your accident was minor with no injuries and minimal damage (under $3,000), you may be able to handle it yourself.
What does it cost to hire McGee Lerer Ogrin?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay no legal fees unless we win compensation for you.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
Typically two years from the date of the accident, but shorter deadlines may apply for government-related claims.
What if the other driver is uninsured?
We help you pursue claims through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) and other recovery avenues.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
If your injuries required only a few doctor visits and car damage was under $3,000, you probably don't need a lawyer. But it's always worth getting a free consultation to protect your rights.
What if I was partially at fault?
California follows a "pure comparative negligence" rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Talk to a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer Today
Before you accept an insurance offer or sign any documents, get a free consultation with McGee Lerer Ogrin. It costs nothing to learn your rights—and it could mean everything for your recovery.
Call McGee Lerer Ogrin today to schedule your free consultation. Let the Los Angeles car accident lawyers who put clients first fight for you.