Few people realize that, after an accident, it is often possible to deal with the personal injury yourself. With basic information about how the accident claims process works, if you are organized and patience, you can handle your own injury insurance claim without a lawyer—and without being treated unfairly by the insurance company. In fact, you could actually get more compensation for your injury and a faster resolution to your claim by handling it yourself instead of hiring a lawyer (and paying her or his fees).

Which claims you might be able to take to small claims court without a lawyer? As a general rule of thumb, you case should not involve

• serious long-term or permanently disabling injuries
• severe injuries
• medical malpractice
• toxic exposure

If you case does not involve these issues, the insurance company may well be willing to negotiate and settle out of court. Many times, it’s simply cheaper for them to pay you than to prolong the fight.