Most "do I need a lawyer" tools are really just lead forms. This one is not: it collects nothing and sends nothing. It is a genuine self-check to help you think it through. For the fuller discussion, see our honest guide.
A good lawyer will tell you when you don’t need one. This checklist is built on the same principle.
Do I Need a Lawyer? Self-Check
Tick any that apply to your situation. The more that do, the more a free conversation is likely to be worth your time.
- Someone was injured — even mildly
- Symptoms appeared in the days after the crash
- Fault is disputed, or you’re being blamed
- A truck, rideshare or multiple vehicles were involved
- The other driver was uninsured or fled the scene
- The costs are significant (medical, vehicle, lost income)
- The insurer is pressuring you or has made a low offer
- It simply feels more complicated than you can manage alone
Reading your answers
Ticked none? You can likely handle this yourself. Keep your records together and revisit if things change.
Ticked one or more? It may be worth a free, no-obligation conversation — there is little risk in simply asking.
What to do with your answers
If you ticked nothing, you are likely fine to manage the claim yourself — our guides walk you through it. If you ticked one or more, it does not mean you must hire anyone; it means a free conversation is probably worth your time so you can decide from an informed place.
Either way, these help next: when to get a lawyer, what it costs, and what a lawyer actually does.
A free resource from The Accident Advisory. Last reviewed June 2026.