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Why you should speak to an attorney in your personal injury case

Focused, personal representation for Tennessee families and businesses, with offices in Nashville and Memphis.

Last Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Read Time: 3 mins

We’ve all heard those silly jokes about attorneys. Lots of people like to say a lot of things about why you should or shouldn’t hire an attorney. But if you have been injured and suspect that you may have a personal injury case on your hands, it is important to at least speak with one. To break it down, here are four reasons why:

The Law is Complicated

There is a reason why attorneys go to law school, and there is a reason why they are required to pass the bar. The law is complex, and the specifics vary on a state by state and city by city basis. Effectively pursuing a personal injury lawsuit involves hours of tedious paperwork and difficult negotiations. Even simply determining how viable a personal injury claim is can take hours of legal research and resources that only an attorney would have at their disposal.

Navigating the legal system alone is dangerous

The law isn’t just complicated. There can be serious repercussions from acting on a case without knowing your rights to the fullest extent. Missteps in the law can have lasting effects and can result in expensive losses and fines. If the opposing party is represented by a skilled attorney, you may find yourself out maneuvered on every turn.

You need to heal

After an injury, severe enough to constitute a personal injury lawsuit, the stress of successfully filing and arguing a case can only be detrimental to the healing process. Make no mistake, fighting your way through the legal system is stressful and defeating. After an accident, you should be focused on resting and recovering.

Most Personal Injury Attorneys Won’t Get Paid Until you do

Most personal injury attorneys will perform their services on a contingent fee basis. This means that they receive a fixed percentage of any settlement they negotiate for you. This arrangement helps you rest assured that you will receive the best representation possible and the highest settlement that can be reached. It also means that you have nothing to lose by contacting an attorney who is highly recommended to represent you.

All of this means one simple thing. If you have been hurt in an accident, contact a skilled lawyer, like a personal injury attorney trusts, in your area and see what next steps are appropriate for you. The risks of trying to represent yourself are simply to high.

Thanks to our friends and contributors from Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into personal injury accident cases.

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Client Reviews

    
 
 
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   Nancy Wallace 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking to do estate planning, go with Patterson Bray! They are excellent to deal with!
  
 
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   Cheryl Adkins 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We loved the staff at Patterson Bray.  Everyone was very professional.  Judith was very thorough and explained everything extremely well.  We would recommend Patterson Bray to anyone.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Hailey Wade 
 26 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray PLLC did an excellent job with my grandmother's estate planning, and made everything easy to understand! She recommended them to a friend who went and is also very satisfied with their services.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Deb Clark 
 31 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience with this firm, particularly Judith Denham has been truly exceptional.  From the consultation to the finish, the attention to detail, listening and responding to my needs.  My documents were completed timely and professionally.  I highly recommend Patterson Bray.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Tanya White 
 31 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PattersonBray Estate Planning was an incredible firm to work with setting up our Trust. Judith Denham was thorough, very smart, and personable as she patiently explained each part.  Gabby put together  a very professional beautiful binder for us to have, and has answered questions we have had since  then. I am so glad they were recommended to us, and we had them to walk us through this procedure.
  
 
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   Charmaine Sego 
 32 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray did a great job with my mother's trust.
  
 
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   Phil Chamberlain 
 48 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray PLLC - first class lawyers.
  
 
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   Catherine McGee 
 68 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Heath Taylor was a genuine joy to work with during my divorce: straight forward, professional, and knowledgeable. I do hope I never have the need to acquire more legal help, but if I do, he'll be my first call. Thank you for everything, Heath!!
  
 
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   Marva Johnson 
 74 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I FOUND PATTERSON BRAY AND JUDITH DENHAM TO BE PROFESSIONAL, VERY THOROUGH, AND PERSONAL. I DID NOT FEEL LIKE A CLIENT, BUT A PERSON. I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THEM, ESPECIALLY JUDITH AND GABBY. VERY GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE.
M.JOHNSON
  
 
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   Pam Nicole 
 75 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We set up a trust with Judith, at Patterson Bray and we received excellent service. Everything was explained thoroughly and everyone was very friendly and professional. I would definitely use her and the firm again, if needed.

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