When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

When do you need a personal injury lawyer?

You need a personal injury lawyer when someone else's carelessness caused an injury that is serious, lasting or disputed. The earlier you get advice, the more evidence can be preserved.

• Your injuries are serious, permanent, or will need long-term care.
• Fault is disputed, or more than one party may be responsible.
• The insurer denied your claim, delayed it, or offered less than your costs.
• You were asked for a recorded statement or to sign a release.
• A family member died because of someone else's conduct.
• Your medical providers or insurer claim a share of any settlement.

You may not need a lawyer if injuries are minor, bills are paid and the insurer accepts fault. If you are unsure, many injury lawyers offer a free first consultation, so ask when you book.

What should you do after an injury?

Get medical care first, then document everything. Prompt records protect both your health and your claim.

1. See a doctor or go to urgent care, even if you feel fine. Some injuries show up later.
2. Report the accident to the police, property owner, employer or other responsible party, as appropriate.
3. Take photos of the scene, your injuries and any property damage.
4. Get names and contact details for witnesses and the other party, including their insurer.
5. Keep medical records, bills, pay stubs and a short injury diary.
6. Do not admit fault, and do not post about the accident on social media.
7. Talk to a lawyer before you sign a release or accept an offer.

What are the filing deadlines in California, Florida, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut?

For most personal injury claims the general deadline is two years in California, Florida, New Jersey and Connecticut, and three years in New York. These limits come from each state's statute and were checked against the statute text in October 2026.

Medical malpractice, wrongful death, claims involving children and claims against government bodies often follow different rules. This table is general information, not legal advice. A lawyer can tell you the deadline that applies to your facts.

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency. They take an agreed percentage of the money recovered and charge no fee if you recover nothing. ABA Model Rule 1.5(c) requires a contingent fee agreement to be in a writing signed by the client.

The agreement should state the percentage in the event of settlement, trial or appeal, which expenses are deducted from the recovery, whether expenses come out before or after the fee is calculated, and which expenses you owe even if you lose. Read those lines before you sign. The full breakdown is in how much does a lawyer cost.

What kinds of injury claims are there?

Personal injury covers many situations, and some have their own rules and deadlines.

• Car, truck and motorcycle accidents.
• Slip and fall and other property conditions.
• Dog bites and other animal injuries.
• Defective products.
• Medical malpractice, which often has special rules. Browse medical malpractice lawyers.
• Wrongful death.
• Work injuries, which usually go through workers' compensation. See when to hire a workers' compensation lawyer. You may also have a separate claim against someone other than your employer.

How should you deal with the insurance company?

Treat the other side's insurer as a party with its own interests. Give basic facts, avoid speculating about your injuries, and do not sign anything you have not read.

• Report the accident to your own insurer as your policy requires.
• Be cautious about a recorded statement to the other side's insurer.
• Do not accept a first offer before you know the full cost of your injuries.
• Keep every letter and email from an insurer.

What should you ask a personal injury lawyer?

Ask how many injury cases like yours the lawyer handles, who will do the work, how costs and liens are handled, and what the likely timeline is. The general list is in questions to ask at a consultation.

• How often do your cases settle, and how often do they go to trial?
• Who negotiates with the insurer?
• What happens to medical bills and liens from any settlement?
• What are the deadlines in my case?

Where can you find a personal injury lawyer near you?

Browse the personal injury lawyers in the directory, or search by city or distance. Verify each license first with our guide to checking a lawyer's license and discipline record, and compare at least two lawyers using how to choose a lawyer.