Personal injury is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of circumstances that cause physical damage or bodily harm to an individual. Automobile collisions are one of the foremost causes of personal injury nationwide, and many of these accidents can result in extensive injuries or even death.

Beyond this, some injuries may cause loss of valuable skills or abilities that, while not life-threatening, will change the course of your life forever.

If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, chances are you'll have hospital bills, loss of time and pay from work, and a lot of inconvenience at the very least. If the accident wasn't your fault, you may be able to collect a financial sum for the money and time spent (and lost) on recovery.

While you are free to negotiate with insurance companies yourself if you wish, it's probably a better idea to consult a legal professional.

You've seen the ads late at night about lawyers that can get you millions without a problem. While exaggeration may be a fact of television advertising, the truth behind the hype is that you will likely get a higher settlement with a professional than if you brave the courts yourself. Tort laws in this country are a labyrinth of nuance and precedents, and a professional knows the system well.

Many attorneys will not charge an initial consultation fee, and many even have a no-win, no-fee arrangement (often called a "contingency fee basis") that can benefit you in the short and long runs. If you make the decision to hire an attorney, you should do the following:

• Consult the attorney as soon as possible after the accident, so information is still readily available.

• Begin gathering documentation for your attorney, including accident reports, insurance letters and offers of settlement, witness accounts, medical bills, and personal contact information for all involved parties.

• Do not give a statement to any insurance companies until you've consulted with your lawyer. Even if you're approached early on, you have the right to say you're not prepared to give a statement, and that you will do so after consulting your lawyer.

• Have a rough idea of the money you've spent on recovering; this amount should include money lost from not working, damaged property, and so forth.

• Assert your right to stop working with your attorney if he or she asks you to do or say something illegal, or if you feel that you aren't being treated fairly. Remember, there's nothing wrong with getting a second opinion.

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