When you have been in an accident that was not your fault, you may wonder if you need a personal injury attorney. Maybe you were in a car accident but your situation doesn't seem like it requires a lawyer. In some situations, this may be true. If it's just a fender bender that will only cost a few hundred dollars to fix, or you gained a few scratches and a bruise, you may not need legal help. There are, however, a few instances when you need a lawyer. The following are three of them.

You have an injury that necessitates one or more days in the hospital

Any time you have been hurt enough to spend time in the hospital, it can be considered a serious injury. Under no circumstances should you negotiate your compensation with an insurance representative by yourself. Depending upon the nature of your injury, this may not take place right away, but at the first opportunity, an insurance company will want to make you an offer. In addition, they will attempt to convince you of the fairness of this offer. However, the offer will favor the insurance company. You need to contact a personal injury lawyer to negotiate for you so you can get all the compensation you are entitled to.

You have a minor injury but can't work

Many people mistakenly believe that an injury needs to be severe in order to get any compensation, but if you have an injury that only needed a doctor to examine, and perhaps no treatment, you may still get compensation. If this injury means you can't do your regular job, you can get compensation for missed work. Depending upon the nature of your job, a minor injury to your thumb or foot can prevent you from making a living for days or weeks while it heals.

There was extensive damage to your property

If you survived the accident but there was extensive damage to your property, you are entitled to reimbursement for the damage. However, the chances of getting an equitable amount for the damage will be slim without an attorney. An insurance company will attempt to pay out as little as possible, so it is likely you will not get the money you need to restore or replace your property. An attorney should be consulted before you sign any settlement offer.

If you have extensive injuries, can't do your job, or have a lot of damage to your property, then you need a personal injury attorney. But if you are in any way unsure of your legal needs, you should consult a personal injury attorney. They offer free consultations, and you needn't worry about affordability because they often work on a contingency basis.