Last Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Read Time: 3 mins
Personal Injury Lawyer
The short answer to this question is when you think the lawyer can effectively help you. What does that mean, though? It means different things to different people, and for good reason. One person’s routine claim that does not require any legal intervention is another person’s nightmare that requires a team of lawyers. Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are thinking about contacting an attorney about an insurance claim.
How much money are we talking? This question is not posed for the cynical reason that in the end, everyone is in business and needs to make money. This question is actually looking to the overall value of your claim and whether expending resources on an attorney will be cost effective in reaching that goal. For example, if a claim is for less than $10,000, does it really make sense to hire an attorney who may charge up to $3,000 to recoup that money? For some people it does and for others, it is not worth it.
Is the question of liability complicated? If the person who caused the accident is almost entirely at fault for the accident, then there really isn’t that much for an attorney to do in this situation. If it is clear that but for the raging hurricane force winds, the damage to the property would not have happened, then again, escalation is probably not required. On the other hand, if there are numerous factors that are present, anyone of which might tip the scale of liability in a given direction, this might call for a more nuanced and thorough review by a skilled attorney.
How many parties are potentially involved? This is where the question of liability can become really complicated really quickly. In the more complex tort cases, such as products liability or truck accidents, the number of parties involved can balloon depending upon where the fault lies. For example, it is not unheard of in a products liability case for the manufacturer, numerous sub-contractors, independent contractors, other related third parties, and employees to be implicated.
This is not to say that a routine two car accident does not require a closer level of inspection. It is possible that the real cause of that accident was not driver error, but some defect in the car, such as a poorly performed brake job the day before. It is worthwhile to investigate this even when the accident seems routine.
How well is the insurance company working with you? If you find that despite your best efforts, your insurance company is not dealing fairly with you, it may be time to call in an personal injury lawyer trusts to help. The attorneys who work for the insurance company do just that – work for the insurance company. They are not your attorney nor are they obligated in any way to give you advice. Their job is to protect the insurance company. So, lawyering up can have a substantial benefit in your negotiating power.
Even if you are unsure if an attorney can help you with a claim, it never hurts to ask.
Contact us
If you were in an accident that was the fault of someone else, then you have reason to consider filing a case against them. A lawyer for personal injury Memphis TN residents trust at Patterson Bray, PLLC believe that victims should not have to suffer because someone else chose to act recklessly that day.
Patterson Bray
20+ Years of Experience
24/7 Call Answering
Nashville & Memphis Offices
Reach out to Patterson Bray and an attorney will follow up with you soon.
Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve had an outstanding experience with this firm across multiple needs, including trust document creation and forming an LLC. From start to finish, they were professional and proactive. They made sure we understood every step of the process and checked in to confirm our preferences, as well as offering thoughtful alternatives whenever something didn’t feel like a good fit. That level of communication and attention to detail is rare. Every interaction built confidence that we were in the right hands. They not only handled the legal work effectively, but also made the entire process feel manageable and well-guided. We cannot recommend them highly enough and will absolutely continue using them in the future.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Attorney Judith Denham and her legal assistant, Gaby Wright, made a great team in creating a trust for me. Judith explained everything in a clear, cohesive way and set up a trust in a timely manner. She gave me a binder for my trust with all the legal paperwork sectioned off in tabs so I can find things easily. When I had questions, Judith and Gaby were responsive and helpful. I give them my highest recommendation.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am so pleased with my new relationship with Judith Dunham and her fantastic team! They helped me create a Trust and end of life documents that I understand and feel very comfortable with. It’s a relief to have this life task well updated and I’m very grateful to Judith, Gabby and the whole team! If you’re looking for very professional, reliable assistance with these type documents, they are wonderful!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This website was clear and easy to navigate. It does a good job of explaining services and further supports itself with testimonials.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a few (what I would consider) silly questions to ask the legal team at Patterson Bray PLLC. Having very little knowledge of the situation I needed clarity on, I had no idea what to expect. I was met with nothing but professionalism and warmth from attorney Rachel Meadows. She gave me information I didn’t even remotely consider, and my questions were thoroughly answered without judgement. She could have certainly given me less detailed responses, but I felt that she genuinely cared about my situation, and appreciated her taking me seriously. I’m extremely impressed with the service I received from this law firm and will happily recommend it.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After bringing up my specific legal issue, I was quickly and throughly informed on how to get started with hiring an attorney as well as informed on whether or not I have a claim to begin with. They answered all of my questions professionally to a point that I feel extremely satisfied with using their services.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very clearly explained their pricing structure. Rachel was wonderful to speak with.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carlisle Dale was very helpful with Estate Planning; outlined strategy, estimates and followed-up promptly with well organized deliverables. Thank you!
comes next.
