The answer to the question: "Do I Need A Lawyer?", does not always have a yes or no answer.  The answer depends on the situation and circumstances of the car accident. 

1.  First we will discuss when you may need a lawyer and when you may be able to pursue your recovery on your own.

2.  Second we will discuss why, in those situations where you may need a lawyer, hiring a lawyer would be beneficial and sometimes necessary.

**Please keep in mind when reading the information below that every accident is different and if you have any doubt as to whether you may need a lawyer, please contact a personal injury lawyer for advice.  At Williams & Williams, P.C., we will gladly advise you on your specific situation.**

I.  Does your car accident require or suggest the hiring of a lawyer to assist you:

	If no one is injured in the accident you likely do not need a lawyer.  Property damage claims to an insurance company are fairly straight forward.  Generally a call to the at fault party's insurance company will result in their estimating your damage and sending you a check, or coordinating with a repair shop of your choice to pay for the repairs.  If the accident is your fault, or liability is disputed, a call to your own insurance company will result it them paying to fix your car.  Hiring a Lawyer for property damage only claims will likely cost you money.
	If  the accident was your fault you may need a lawyer.  However, your insurance company will provide you with counsel should it become necessary and pay for that counsel.  This may occur if the other driver or party was injured and he or she makes a claim against you.  Until a lawsuit is filed by the injured party, your insurance company will deal with the injured party or their lawyer, during this time you will not likely be assigned a Lawyer.  If you are injured in a car accident that was your fault, your medical bills and lost income may e covered by PIP.  Click on "All About PIP" to the left..
	If you are injured and the accident was not your fault you need a lawyer.  The reasons for the need of a Maryland personal injury lawyer in this situation are outlined in the second section below.

The information contained above is not situation specific and a call to a Maryland personal injury lawyer is suggested if you have any doubts as to the needs of your situation.

II.  Why do I need a Lawyer?:

	Insurance companies hire professional claims adjusters and investigators to handle claims made for injuries by victims of their insured driver's negligence.  They are usually very good at their job and will likely outsmart and out negotiate you if you make a claim against them for your injuries.
	Making a injury claim is both simple and complex.  On the surface is can seem straightforward.  You claim with the insurance company your medical bills and lost income.  However, this is just the surface, and a personal injury lawyer will go beyond the surface with your claim submitting damages you may not be aware of and likely recover more for you that you could do on your own.
	Injury claims often require investigation and proof of liability.  Hiring a lawyer can help to insure that you claim is documented and that no mistakes or omissions jeopardize your claim.
	At a time when you should be concerned with your physical recovery and the well-being of your family, handling a injury claim can be time consuming and overwhelming.  A good personal injury lawyer will do their best to minimize the time and inconvenience your accident causes you and they will collect for the inconvenience that the car accident did cause.
	If your claim is disputed, and a court case is required, remember this adage: "A person who represents themselves has a fool for a client".  Handling a court case with no legal experience will likely result in a loss.
	Hiring a lawyer will help insure your claim runs smooth and efficient, helping to lead to a speedy recover