Can You Represent Yourself in a Personal Injury Case?

When you’re injured in a car accident, slip and fall, truck crash, dog bite, or any other unexpected event, you may wonder whether you really need a lawyer. Many Florida residents ask themselves:

“Can I handle my personal injury case on my own?”“Do I really need Kogan & DiSalvo, or can I negotiate directly with the insurance company?”

Legally, yes — you can represent yourself. There’s no law requiring you to hire a personal injury attorney. But the real question is whether representing yourself is a good idea.

Personal injury cases are complex. Insurance companies are aggressive. And Florida laws have changed significantly in recent years. A mistake early in your case can cost you thousands — sometimes tens of thousands — of dollars, or more.

This guide explains the risks, realities, and limited situations where self-representation might work. More importantly, it shows why many injury victims choose experienced legal representation during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

What It Means to Represent Yourself

Representing yourself is called pro se litigation. It means:

• You negotiate directly with insurance adjusters
  
• You collect and submit your own evidence
  
• You handle all medical record requests and billing
  
• You interpret Florida’s personal injury laws
  
• You meet all legal deadlines
  
• You prepare documents, filings, and court pleadings
  
• You manage liens, PIP issues, and settlement calculations
  
• You must understand liability, damages, and insurance policy language
  

Many people underestimate how much work goes into handling even a “simple” injury claim.

When Self-Representation Might Work

There are very limited circumstances where handling your own case may be reasonable:

1. The Injury Is Truly Minor

Examples:

• A small bruise
  
• A sprained ankle
  
• A single urgent care visit
  
• Total medical bills under $1,000
  
• No future medical treatment expected
  

These cases can sometimes be handled without an attorney — but you must still be cautious.

2. Liability Is Extremely Clear

For example:

• You were rear-ended at a stoplight on US-1
  
• The other driver admitted fault
  
• Damages were minimal
  

Even then, insurance companies often undervalue claims.

3. You Are Comfortable Negotiating

Some people prefer to negotiate on their own — but keep in mind that insurance adjusters negotiate for a living. Their job is to pay the least amount possible.

We’re here to help you understand your rights.

Kogan & DiSalvo has protected Florida injury victims for decades — and we’re ready to help you too.

Why Representing Yourself Is Risky in Florida

1. Insurance Companies Don’t Treat You the Same

Insurance adjusters are trained to:

• Minimize payouts
  
• Delay claims
  
• Shift blame onto you
  
• Claim your injuries are not serious
  
• Downplay your need for treatment
  
• Push fast, low offers
  

When you don’t have an attorney, you’re seen as vulnerable — and many insurers take advantage of that.

2. You May Not Know the True Value of Your Case

Most self-represented claimants:

• Underestimate medical expenses
  
• Forget future care needs
  
• Ignore reduced earning capacity
  
• Don’t know how to calculate pain and suffering
  
• Accept far less than their case is worth
  

Insurance companies know this — which is why they often offer low amounts quickly to people without lawyers.

3. Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence Law Is Complex

Florida’s recent legal changes mean:

• If you are more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing
• If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage
  

Insurance companies routinely argue:

• “You weren’t paying attention.”
  
• “You were speeding.”
  
• “You contributed to the accident.”
  

They use these arguments to pay less — or deny the claim entirely.

A personal injury attorney fights these tactics and protects your rights.

4. Medical Liens and Bills Are Complicated

You may need to deal with:

• Health insurance liens
  
• Medicare
  
• Medicaid
  
• Hospital liens
  
• Letters of protection
  
• Workers’ compensation liens
  

If these aren’t resolved correctly, you could:

• Lose part of your settlement
  
• Owe money later
  
• Face collection efforts
  

Kogan & DiSalvo negotiates liens to maximize your take-home recovery.

5. Evidence Must Be Collected Properly

In a Florida personal injury case, the following evidence is often required:

• Medical records
  
• Crash reports
  
• Witness statements
  
• Surveillance footage
  
• Black box data or a Vehicle Data Recorder (truck accidents)
  
• Expert testimony
  
• Photographs of the scene
  
• Proof of damages
  
• Cell phone metadata (in distracted driving cases)
  

Most self-represented individuals simply don’t have access to the tools needed to gather and present this evidence effectively.

6. If the Case Goes to Court, You Are at a Major Disadvantage

Court procedures are complex. You will be expected to:

• File motions
  
• Conduct discovery
  
• Take depositions
  
• Respond to defense attorneys
  
• Follow strict deadlines
  
• Understand rules of evidence
  

Insurance companies have legal teams who do this every day. Without experience, this can be overwhelming.

7. You Risk Settling Too Early

Many people accept the first offer because bills are piling up. But settling too soon can leave you responsible for:

• Future medical care
  
• Physical therapy
  
• Pain management
  
• Lost earning potential
  
• Permanent disability
  

Once you sign a settlement release, it’s over — you cannot ask for more money later.

What You May Gain by Hiring Kogan & DiSalvo

While some cases can be handled alone, most injury victims benefit significantly from legal representation.

Kogan & DiSalvo provides:

• Accurate case valuation
• Protection against lowball offers
• Negotiation with medical providers and lienholders
• Thorough evidence collection
• Access to experts and specialists
• Handling of all paperwork and deadlines
• Trial preparation if needed
• Peace of mind so you can focus on healing

Studies show that injury victims represented by attorneys receive significantly higher settlements — even after attorney fees are deducted.

Kogan & DiSalvo has helped thousands of Floridians recover financially, physically, and emotionally after serious injuries. We’re ready to help you too.

When You Should NOT Represent Yourself

You should almost never handle your own case if:

• You suffered broken bones
  
• You needed surgery
  
• You have long-term or permanent disability
  
• The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
  
• A commercial vehicle or truck was involved
  
• You were injured in a slip and fall with disputed liability
  
• A defective product caused your injuries
  
• A nursing home or medical malpractice claim is involved
  
• You have high medical bills
  
• Someone died (wrongful death case)
  

These cases are simply too complex to manage alone.

How Kogan & DiSalvo Supports You Through the Entire Process

Our team handles every aspect of your case, including:

• Filing insurance claims
  
• Investigating the cause of your injuries
  
• Handling PIP issues
  
• Working with doctors and medical experts
  
• Preparing demand packages
  
• Negotiating settlements
  
• Filing lawsuits when necessary
  
• Taking cases to trial when justice demands it
  

We keep you informed, supported, and protected from unfair insurance practices.

Call Kogan & DiSalvo Today

If you’re considering representing yourself in a personal injury case, let’s talk about your options. A quick consultation can help you understand what your case is truly worth — and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Call Kogan & DiSalvo today to schedule your free consultation. Your recovery begins with a conversation — and when results matter, we deliver.