Education
When to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
• 2 min read
Some claims can be handled without an attorney. Most can't. Here's how to tell the difference.
Hire an attorney when: injuries required medical treatment beyond first aid, the at-fault party disputes liability, the insurance company is offering less than your medical bills, or you've lost time from work.
You probably don't need an attorney when: there are no injuries, property damage is the only issue, or you're satisfied with the carrier's initial response on a small claim.
Statistics consistently show that represented claimants recover meaningfully more — often 3x or more — than unrepresented claimants, even after attorney fees.
Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency, so there's no upfront cost to evaluate your case.
AARC requires attorney representation for funding. If you don't have an attorney yet, ask us about referrals in your state.
Call (800) 297-3834 for attorney referrals or funding once you're represented.
Frequently asked questions
- Will taking an advance reduce my settlement?
- The advance plus its flat fee is repaid out of the settlement, so your net proceeds are reduced by that amount. It does not affect the gross value your attorney negotiates.
- Is a pre-settlement cash advance a loan?
- No. It is non-recourse funding tied to your personal injury claim. There are no monthly payments, and if your case does not recover, you owe nothing.
- Do I need good credit or a job to qualify?
- No. AARC does not run a credit check and does not require employment or income verification. Approval is based on the strength of your claim and your attorney's representation.
- How fast can I get funded?
- Most approved applicants receive funds in as little as 24 hours once AARC has the case documents from your attorney.
- How much does it cost?
- AARC uses a flat fee rather than compounding monthly interest. Typical advances are $500, $750, or $1,000, and the illustrative payoff at settlement is 2x the advance amount.
About the author
Written by the funding team at AARC — Accident Advance & Resource Center. AARC underwrites pre-settlement cash advances for personal injury claimants and works directly with plaintiff attorneys across 45 states. Our team reviews case documentation daily and writes from that firsthand experience.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Always confirm details with your attorney. Contact AARC or call (800) 297-3834 with questions about your specific case.
