Some people can effectively handle their own minor car accident settlement without a lawyer. In a whiplash settlement claim where injuries and financial losses are minor, it is possible to handle your own settlement in a more economical fashion than with the use of an attorney. Just keep in mind that your time isn't free, and the fees that you pay to auto accident attorneys isn't just for their legal expertise - it's for the fact that you don't have to sit on hold with doctors and insurance companies for hours on end!
To understand if you can represent yourself in a car accident whiplash settlement, you need to get a firm idea of how injured you are. One of the challenges with whiplash injuries is they are not seen on conventional x-rays and similar diagnostic screenings. So, proving that you have suffered whiplash on your own can be challenging. If you're planning on negotiating your whiplash settlement yourself, it's always a good idea to see a physician as soon as possible after the crash. The doctor will note your level of pain and injury in your back and neck, and probably assign a grade of whiplash to your injury. With this information, you may be able to show the insurance company making payment that you have suffered more serious whiplash.
The next step in the process would be to write a whiplash settlement demand letter and send it to the at fault driver's insurance company. Be sure to include any and all medical records & bills as well as receipts for the damage to your car. If you had to miss work because of the injuries or subsequent doctor visits be sure to calculate how much money you'll be giving up by missing work. If your daily life and activities have been impacted in any way, you should also factor in a pain & suffering multiplier in your car accident settlement claim. But remember, insurance companies are notorious for denying or reducing whiplash claims. So, in a more serious case, you still may consider hiring an attorney to represent you.