You are legally able to represent yourself in a personal injury case, but you should do so at the risk of not collecting enough money to cover all your expenses. Think of a personal injury lawyer as a specialist doctor. If you have an illness you may research your symptoms online and ask your friends for advice, but ultimately if you really want a true cure and treatment, you need to talk to a doctor. Similarly, with a personal injury case, you should ultimately consult an injury lawyer. Big insurance companies don’t have your best interest in mind and you need someone who knows the system and can navigate for you. Insurance companies want to settle your case for the smallest amount possible and have a large team of people working against you. However, if you have an injury lawyer, those companies will give you and your case greater respect. Your injury lawyer is on your side and can be aggressive, gather necessary evidence, use the nuances of the law in your favor, consult and use expert witnesses, do all the paperwork and negotiate for you from a position of knowledge and strength. A personal injury case is not a do-it-yourself project.