# Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Most Personal Injury Lawyers Offer Free Consultations 2. Latent Injuries 3. Non-Economic Damages 4. The Opposing Party Might Try to Blame You for the Accident 5. You Might Make an Error That Could Jeopardize Your Case 6. The Consequences of Failing to Hire a Lawyer When You Need One After a Minor Car Accident  7. Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help ![Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Minor Car Accident?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Should-I-Hire-a-Lawyer-After-a-Minor-Car-Accident-300x200.jpg) You might question your need for a lawyer to handle a minor [car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/). Your skepticism may be justified – it all depends on how serious the accident was. If it was a minor fender-bender, your body suffered no impact, and [your airbags didn’t inflate](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/how-serious-does-a-collision-have-to-be-for-airbags-to-deploy/), you might not need a lawyer.  If you suffered anything more serious than that, hiring a lawyer is probably a good idea for several reasons. ## Most Personal Injury Lawyers Offer Free Consultations At the very least, you should [schedule a consultation](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-approach-a-free-consultation-with-an-attorney/) with a personal injury lawyer after a minor car accident. Since most personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations, you can speak to a lawyer about whether or not you need their services.  Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that if they fail to secure compensation for you, they earn nothing. This gives them no motivation to talk you into hiring them if you don’t need an attorney. More likely, they will refuse to take your case if they believe you don’t need a lawyer. It’s simply not in their interest to take on a case that doesn’t require their services, because there is too little money at stake. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Latent Injuries It seems like common sense to assume that if you got hurt, you would know about it. The reality, however, is that you might not know about an injury for hours or even days after it occurs. The most common types of injuries with delayed symptoms are [soft tissue injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/soft-tissue-injury/) (to the neck, for example) and head injuries.  Common symptoms include: - [Back pain](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/back-pain-after-a-car-accident-whats-causing-it/) - Blurred vision - Difficulty concentrating - Dizziness - Headaches - Insomnia - Nausea - Neck stiffness - Numbness in your hands or feet - Reduced range of motion - Shoulder pain - Swelling Failure to secure medical confirmation of these symptoms immediately after your accident invites the opposing party to claim that your injuries didn’t occur until after the accident. If the accident didn’t cause your injuries, the defendant owes you nothing – and neither does the insurance company. ## Non-Economic Damages One of the reasons you should talk to a lawyer after a “minor” accident is that your claim might be worth more than you think it is. In most cases, you are entitled to far more than simple reimbursement for your [medical bills](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-handle-your-medical-bills-after-a-car-accident/) and lost earnings.  A personal injury lawyer can make sure you obtain compensation for every element of your personal injury claim, including  the following [non-economic damages](https://www.ttla.com/index.cfm?pg=legalglossary#:~:text=Non%20%2D%20economic%20damages%20compensate%20for,2.):  - [pain and suffering](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/pain_and_suffering) - [emotional distress ](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/suing-for-emotional-distress-after-an-accident/) - blindness - physical disfigurement - loss of fertility - loss of sexual function  - loss of a limb  - loss of mobility - loss of enjoyment of life Of course, many of these conditions will not apply to accidents that are so mild that you question whether you even need a lawyer to resolve them. Nevertheless, certain items, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress, could factor into your damages, especially if you suffer delayed symptoms. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## The Opposing Party Might Try to Blame You for the Accident It’s not uncommon for a defendant to try to [blame you](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-is-contributory-fault/) for the accident – or try to hold you responsible for pre-existing injuries that they falsely attribute to the accident (back problems, for example).  You will need a lawyer if this happens. Holding you partially responsible for the accident is a common tactic because it limits a defendant’s financial liability. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be well-versed in pushing back against this to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.  Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## You Might Make an Error That Could Jeopardize Your Case There are hundreds of possible mistakes you might make that could jeopardize your case, such as: - Talking about your case on social media - [Negotiating](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/negotiation-in-personal-injury-cases/) with the insurance adjuster on your own (unless you are a professional negotiator) - Apologizing for the accident just to be polite - Accepting a “lowball” offer because the hospital is pressuring you for money now There are many other ways to endanger your case that your lawyer can protect you against and warn you about in advance. ## The Consequences of Failing to Hire a Lawyer When You Need One After a Minor Car Accident  If you fail to hire a lawyer when you need one, the best-case scenario is that you receive less money than you are entitled to. The worst-case scenario is you will actually have to pay compensation to the driver who caused the accident. Don’t let it happen to you. Contact a car accident attorney after a minor collision to preserve your legal rights and protect yourself against unexpected claims.  ## Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![The 12 Most Common Causes of Car Accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/The-12-Most-Common-Causes-of-Car-Accidents-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-12-most-common-causes-of-car-accidents/) [The 12 Most Common Causes of Car Accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-12-most-common-causes-of-car-accidents/) Texas provides detailed information about the causes of car accidents. These reports reveal some interesting insights [![Vehicle and Driver Requirements For Uber and Lyft in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Vehicle-and-Driver-Requirements-For-Uber-and-Lyft-in-Texas-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/vehicle-and-driver-requirements-for-uber-and-lyft-in-texas/) [Vehicle and Driver Requirements for Uber and Lyft in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/vehicle-and-driver-requirements-for-uber-and-lyft-in-texas/) {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What are Vehicle and [![How to Get the Most Money From a Car Accident in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/How-to-Get-the-Most-Money-From-a-Car-Accident-300x183.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-get-the-most-money-from-a-car-accident/) [How to Get the Most Money From a Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-to-get-the-most-money-from-a-car-accident/) Getting the most money from a car accident is nothing to be ashamed of because you deserve just compensation after [![Waymo Self-Driving Cars in Houston, TX: What Happens if There’s an Accident?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Waymo-Self-Driving-Cars-in-Houston-TX-What-Happens-if-Theres-an-Accident-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/waymo-self-driving-cars-in-houston-tx-what-happens-if-theres-an-accident/) [Waymo Self-Driving Cars in Houston, TX: What Happens if There’s an Accident?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/waymo-self-driving-cars-in-houston-tx-what-happens-if-theres-an-accident/) With Waymo Houston operations bringing more driverless vehicles to the area, there is a greater likelihood for Houston --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/should-i-hire-a-lawyer-after-a-minor-car-accident/