What Do Personal Injury Attorneys Do? Their Role in Your Case

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you’ve probably heard you should “talk to an injury lawyer.” But what exactly do personal injury attorneys do, and how do they help your case?

Whether it’s a car crash, slip and fall, or workplace injury, personal injury lawyers handle everything from investigating what happened to negotiating your settlement. Their job is to protect your rights and make sure you don’t get shortchanged by insurance companies.

Here’s what an injury attorney does at each stage of your case.

1. Understanding What a Personal Injury Attorney Is

Before anything else, let’s answer the basic question: What is an injury attorney?

A personal injury attorney is a lawyer who represents people who’ve been physically or emotionally harmed due to someone else’s negligence. They don’t work for insurance companies or big corporations—they work for you.

Unlike many other types of lawyers, most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay upfront. They only get paid if they win your case or secure a settlement.

2. Investigating the Accident

Every successful claim starts with a thorough investigation. Your attorney will gather all the evidence needed to prove who was at fault and how the injury happened.

This may include:

Reviewing police and accident reports

Interviewing witnesses

Collecting photos, videos, and surveillance footage

Obtaining medical records and bills

Consulting with experts, such as doctors or accident reconstruction specialists

The goal is to build a strong foundation that clearly shows negligence and damages—two key elements of any personal injury case.

3. Evaluating Your Claim

Once your lawyer has the facts, they’ll determine the true value of your claim. This goes beyond immediate expenses like hospital bills.

An experienced attorney will calculate:

Medical costs (current and future)

Lost wages and loss of earning capacity

Pain and suffering

Emotional distress

Long-term effects or disability

Without legal help, many people accept lowball offers that don’t cover these long-term costs. Your lawyer’s job is to make sure every dollar of damage is accounted for.

4. Handling Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are trained to protect their bottom line. They may offer quick settlements, delay payments, or question your injuries.

Your attorney steps in as your advocate—handling all communication, paperwork, and negotiations. They know the tactics insurers use and how to counter them.

This takes the pressure off you and ensures that your statements or paperwork don’t accidentally weaken your claim.

Example: An insurance adjuster might call asking for a recorded statement soon after the accident. Your lawyer will tell you whether to participate and ensure it doesn’t harm your case.

5. Negotiating a Settlement

The majority of personal injury cases are settled, rather than going to trial. Once your attorney has built your case and gathered all evidence, they’ll enter negotiations with the insurance company or opposing counsel.

A good lawyer knows how to calculate a fair settlement and when to push back. They’ll present evidence, medical reports, and expert opinions to justify your claim’s value.

If the insurer refuses to offer a fair amount, your attorney is prepared to take the next step—litigation.

6. Filing a Lawsuit and Going to Trial (If Needed)

If settlement talks fail, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. This process includes:

Preparing legal documents and motions

Conducting depositions and discovery

Presenting evidence before a judge or jury

While most cases resolve before trial, having a lawyer who’s ready to go the distance often leads to better settlement offers. Insurance companies take your case more seriously when they know your attorney means business.

7. Guiding You Through Every Step

Beyond the legal work, a good injury lawyer acts as your guide through a stressful and confusing process. They’ll keep you informed, explain your options, and help you make decisions that serve your best interests.

You’ll never have to wonder what comes next—your attorney’s job is to handle the details so you can focus on healing.

How DearLegal Helps

At DearLegal, we make it easy to find the right personal injury attorney for your case. Whether you’ve been in a car accident, truck crash, or slip and fall, we’ll connect you with experienced lawyers who understand how to build strong claims and fight for fair results.

Don’t face insurance companies alone—get matched with a skilled attorney who knows how to win.