When the time comes to find a personal injury lawyer, you are stressed, confused and probably even in physical pain. Dealing with all the questions you have about finding a lawyer and figuring out how to decide if you even need a lawyer adds even more stress and confusion.

To make your life less hectic, here are some common questions and answers to help you.

Question: Do you really need a personal injury lawyer if your accident was just a fender bender?

Answer: Yes, personal injury lawyers can help you navigate the insurance company madness. Even if an accident seems minor, their help can be invaluable. From translating insurance mumbo jumbo to helping you negotiate if necessary, a personal injury lawyer is your ticket to a smoother, simpler post-accident experience.

Question: Is it worth paying for a personal injury lawyer even if there is not a lot of money in the settlement? 

Answer: This depends on several variables including which lawyer you are looking to work with. Because lawyers usually contract to be paid a portion of the settlement received from the insurance companies or the other party involved, they will take your case if there is potential. Many personal injury lawyers will take cases that seem to be worth little either to give back to the community or to expand their own personal network.

Question: If your insurance company is a good one, do you really need a lawyer? 

Answer: Even if you have stellar insurance, you can still benefit from dealing with an attorney. Great insurance means there is more available to you in terms of help post-accident and an attorney can help you get the most from your coverage. You pay your premiums for this coverage so get the most you can.

Question: Aren’t personal injury lawyers just ambulance chasers that only do their job for the money?

Answer: You will never know about the personal injury lawyer in your area until you meet face to face. Consultations are usually free so take the time to interview a few of them in your local area and listen to your intuition. Not all attorneys dealing with car accidents or other personal injury lawsuits are “ambulance chasers” and they all have their own personal reasons for choosing their professions.

Question: How do you know which personal injury lawyer is the best?

Answer: Ask friends and family for recommendations, read up on local review websites like Yelp and Yellow Pages, and do your own personal internet research. Once you narrow down your search, call the top three or four law offices on your list and set up consultations after confirming the first meeting is free of charge. The experience of calling for an appointment will also give you valuable information about how they run their office and if you are comfortable with their business overall. After you sit down and speak with each attorney, make a list of pros and cons and make a well-balanced choice.

Contacting a personal injury lawyer after an accident or other injury does not need to be a stressful thing. Let these professionals help you through one of life’s toughest times. It is not just their job, but also their way to give back using their own special skills and gifts.

This Q&A guide was produced by Alison Mackenzie on behalf of Henry Carus & Associates – the compensation lawyers.