Tyler Gross | August 12, 2025 | Car Accidents
After a car accident, one of the biggest questions many people face is whether they really need to hire a lawyer. Some cases are straightforward and can be resolved quickly, but others are more complicated. Knowing when to seek legal help can make the difference between a fair settlement and walking away with far less than you deserve.
Not Every Car Accident Requires a Lawyer
In some situations, you may not need an attorney. For example, if your accident only involved property damage, or if your injuries are minor and you recover quickly, you might be able to handle the claim independently.
But when the accident is more serious, hiring a lawyer often makes sense. Insurance companies are focused on protecting their profits, not ensuring you’re fairly compensated. An experienced car accident lawyer can level the playing field and help you get the money you need to move forward.
When to Consider Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Every case is unique, but there are common situations where having a lawyer on your side is especially important. Here’s when it’s definitely time to at least speak with a lawyer during a free consultation.
You Suffered Serious Injuries
If your injuries require hospitalization, surgery, or long-term treatment, your medical bills could be substantial. You may face permanent impairment or disability, reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your job, and changes to your lifestyle.
Because Florida uses a no-fault or limited tort system, your own insurance policy’s PIP coverage pays for your medical costs and lost wages, no matter who was at fault. You can only sue the negligent driver if you meet a “serious injury” threshold. Examples of serious injuries include traumatic brain injuries, amputation or loss of limb, spinal cord injuries, and organ damage.
That means you don’t just need evidence of the other driver’s liability: you must also overcome this hurdle by proving the severity of your injury meets the threshold.
You Have a Pre-Existing Health Condition
Even an otherwise minor accident can cause serious harm when it worsens a pre-existing condition. Insurers tend to be skeptical about pre-existing conditions and try to argue they aren’t liable because your symptoms and bills aren’t related to the crash.
When someone’s negligence causes harm, they are responsible for the full extent of the harm, even when injuries are more serious because of the plaintiff’s pre-existing mental or physical condition.
Fault Is Disputed
Sometimes, it’s not clear who caused the accident. If the insurance company claims you were partly or wholly at fault, it may be time to speak with a lawyer.
In Florida, the comparative negligence rule means your financial recovery is reduced if you are found even slightly to blame for the crash. You are barred from recovering any compensation if you are more than 50% at fault.
A lawyer can gather evidence and build the strongest case possible to prove how the accident happened. This ensures fault is assigned fairly and you are not unfairly penalized.
The Insurance Company Denies or Delays Your Claim
Insurance companies sometimes deny claims outright or use delay tactics in hopes you’ll give up. You have the right to appeal this decision, but it’s important to be prepared.
Speak with an attorney if you:
- Have a complex case
- Suffered significant losses
- Think the insurer is acting in bad faith
- Don’t know how to prepare your appeal
A lawyer can fight back against unreasonable delays, help you appeal a denied claim, and push for a timely resolution.
You Lost a Loved One in the Crash
When a crash results in wrongful death, it’s always best to speak with a lawyer to protect your rights. Families may be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, and the emotional impact of losing a loved one. A wrongful death action can also give your family a sense of justice by holding the careless driver responsible.
The Risks of Handling a Case on Your Own
Many accident victims believe they can save money by dealing with the insurance company themselves. But this often leads to smaller settlements, especially when the stakes are high.
Insurance adjusters know the average person doesn’t understand all the damages they may be entitled to or how to craft a strong legal argument. Most people have little experience with negotiations.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in North Florida
If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced car accident lawyers in Florida at Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have five convenient locations in Pensacola, Navarre, Crestview, Milton, and Mary Esther.
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Pensacola Office
803 N Palafox St
Pensacola, FL 32501
Phone: (850) 434-3333
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Navarre Office
9933 Navarre Pkwy
Navarre, FL 32566
Phone: (850) 757-2898
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Crestview Office
1501 S Ferdon Blvd
Crestview, FL 32536
Phone: (850) 407-7726
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Milton Office
6373 US-90
Milton, FL 32570
Phone: (850) 790-7790
Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers – Mary Esther Office
151 Mary Esther Blvd Suite 103A
Mary Esther, FL 32569
Phone: (850) 809-0170