Right behind that question is another one that really matters: Would I get more money if I hire a lawyer, or if I do this myself?
At Matt Hardin Law, we speak with people every week who are trying to decide whether to move forward alone or with legal representation. This blog will walk you through what really happens when you handle your own personal injury claim, what insurance companies are counting on, and whether representing yourself could affect how much compensation you ultimately recover.
Why People Consider Handling Their Own Claim
It makes sense. After an accident, you may be facing medical bills, missing work, and dealing with stress. Hiring an attorney can feel like another step in an already overwhelming process.
Many people believe:
- The case seems straightforward.
- The insurance company is being “helpful.”
- They want to avoid paying attorney fees.
- The injuries are minor.
On the surface, it might appear that handling your own claim will save money and keep more of the settlement in your pocket. But the key issue is not just what you save. It is what you might lose.
How Insurance Companies Evaluate Claims
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to protect their bottom line. Adjusters are trained negotiators whose job is to settle claims for as little as possible.
According to research from the Insurance Information Institute on how claims are handled, insurers follow structured internal processes to assess liability, evaluate damages, and determine payouts. These systems are designed to control costs.
When you represent yourself, you are negotiating directly with a professional who handles claims every day. That imbalance alone can affect your outcome.
Would I Get More Money With a Lawyer?
This is the most important question, and the honest answer for most injury victims is yes.
Here is why.
1. Lawyers Know What Your Case Is Truly Worth
Most people focus only on current medical bills and car repair costs. But a personal injury claim may include:
- Future medical treatment
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent impairment
Without legal experience, it is easy to undervalue these damages. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot go back and ask for more.
The breakdown of how settlement values are calculated in personal injury cases shows how complex damage evaluations can be. Attorneys understand how to properly document and argue for every category of compensation available.
2. Insurance Companies Often Offer Less to Unrepresented Claimants
Insurance adjusters know when someone does not have legal representation. In many cases, the initial offer reflects that.
Why? Because they know:
- You may not know the full value of your claim.
- You may feel financial pressure to settle quickly.
- You may not understand negotiation tactics.
When an experienced attorney is involved, the dynamic changes. The insurer knows the case could go to court if a fair offer is not made.
3. Evidence Collection Matters More Than You Think
Strong personal injury claims are built on evidence:
- Medical records
- Expert opinions
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Witness statements
- Photographs and documentation
When you handle your own claim, you may not know what evidence will strengthen your case or how to obtain it. An attorney anticipates arguments the insurance company may use and prepares accordingly.
4. Calculating Pain and Suffering Is Not Simple
Pain and suffering damages are not automatically assigned. They require persuasive argument and supporting documentation.
Insurance companies often use internal formulas to minimize these damages. Without understanding how those formulas work, you may accept far less than your experience warrants.
When Handling Your Own Claim Might Work
There are limited situations where handling your own claim could make sense:
- Very minor injuries with no ongoing treatment.
- Clear liability with no dispute.
- Minimal medical bills.
- No lost wages.
Even in these cases, it is wise to at least consult an attorney before accepting a settlement. Many firms, including Matt Hardin Law, offer free consultations. That conversation alone can help you understand whether the offer on the table is reasonable.
The Hidden Risks of Representing Yourself
Signing Away Your Rights
Settlement agreements are legally binding contracts. Once signed, you release the insurance company from further liability. If your injuries worsen later, you cannot reopen the claim.
Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters may request a recorded statement. Seemingly innocent comments can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
Missing Deadlines
Every state has a statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. Missing that deadline could permanently bar your claim.
If you are unsure about timelines, you may want to review our related discussion on whether you need a lawyer when dealing with insurance, which explains how early decisions can affect the outcome of your case.
The Financial Reality: Attorney Fees vs. Settlement Value
Many people hesitate to hire an attorney because they are concerned about fees. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- You pay nothing upfront.
- The attorney is paid only if you recover compensation.
- The fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
The key question is not whether you pay a fee. It is whether the net amount you take home is higher with representation.
In many cases, even after attorney fees, clients recover significantly more than they would have on their own because the overall settlement is substantially larger.
Real World Negotiation Differences
When you negotiate alone, the insurance company knows your leverage is limited. Filing a lawsuit and going to trial requires legal knowledge and procedural compliance.
When an experienced law firm is involved:
- The insurer knows litigation is a real possibility.
- Deadlines are enforced properly.
- Evidence is presented strategically.
- Lowball offers are rejected with documented counterarguments.
This shift in leverage frequently leads to stronger settlement discussions.
Emotional Distance Matters
After an accident, you may still be in pain, frustrated, or anxious. Negotiating your own claim while dealing with recovery can be emotionally exhausting.
An attorney provides objective guidance. That emotional distance helps ensure decisions are made based on long term financial impact, not short term pressure.
Local Experience Makes a Difference
Personal injury law varies by state. Local courts, judges, and insurance practices all influence case outcomes.
Working with a firm that understands the local legal landscape can strengthen your negotiating position. At Matt Hardin Law, we understand how insurers evaluate cases in our region and how juries tend to respond to certain fact patterns.
So, Would You Get More Money?
While every case is unique, statistically and practically, injury victims often recover more compensation with experienced legal representation than they do handling claims on their own.
Here is the bottom line:
- If your injuries are serious, ongoing, or permanent, representation significantly increases your chances of maximizing compensation.
- If liability is disputed, legal guidance is critical.
- If the insurance company is pressuring you to settle quickly, that is often a sign you should slow down and seek advice.
Handling your own claim might feel like a way to save money, but in many situations, it results in accepting less than your case is worth.
What Should You Do Next?
You do not have to commit to filing a lawsuit to speak with an attorney. A consultation can clarify:
- The realistic value of your case.
- Whether the insurance offer is fair.
- What additional damages you may be entitled to.
- Whether pursuing further action makes financial sense.
If you are weighing whether to handle your own claim without an attorney, ask yourself one final question: Would you rather negotiate alone against a trained insurance professional, or have an experienced advocate leveling the playing field?
At Matt Hardin Law, our focus is simple. We help injured individuals understand their rights, evaluate their options, and pursue the full compensation they deserve.
If you are unsure whether you would get more money with legal representation, the best next step is to have a conversation. The information you gain could make a significant difference in your financial recovery.