What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Actually Do?

If you’ve been hurt in an accident and you’re trying to figure out who to call, you’re not alone. One of the most common search questions we see is: 

“What do I do after an accident?” 

Let’s break down what personal injury lawyers do, how they help you recover, and why having the right one on your side can change everything after a serious accident. 

What Is an Injury Lawyer Called?

A personal injury lawyer is also known as: 

• Plaintiff’s lawyer (they represent the injured person, not the defendant) 

• Trial lawyer (if the case goes to court) 

• Tort lawyer (in legal terms, a “tort” is a wrongful act that causes harm) 

• Accident attorney (a more casual but widely used term) 

They all refer to the same thing: a lawyer who helps injured people seek compensation from whoever caused their harm. Whether you were hurt by another person, a negligent business, or even on government property, the right move is to hire a personal injury law firm that knows how to handle your type of case. 

Why Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

A great personal injury lawyer and their team will guide you through one of the most stressful periods of your life. 

“When someone asks me what an injury lawyer really does, I tell them: we’re part detective, part bodyguard, and part translator,” explains Stephen Lockard, Litigation Attorney at J&Y Law. “We dig into the facts to uncover what really happened, shield our clients from being steamrolled by billion-dollar insurance companies, and translate legalese into human terms. I love restoring a sense of safety, dignity, and justice to people who’ve had that ripped away.” 

Here’s what personal injury lawyers like Lockard actually do: 

• Investigate the accident: Gather photos, witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports. 

• Identify liability: Determine who’s legally responsible and build the evidence to prove it. 

• Calculate damages: This includes not just your medical bills, but future care costs, lost wages, emotional distress, and more. 

• Handle negotiations: Fight back against lowball settlement offers from insurance companies. 

• Go to trial (if needed): If they won’t pay fairly, a seasoned injury lawyer will take your case to court. 

Injury Lawyers vs. Other Types of Attorneys

Not every lawyer handles injury cases. Here’s how injury attorneys differ from other legal professionals: 

• Personal Injury: Auto accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, etc. 

• Criminal Defense: Defending someone charged with a crime 

• Family Law: Divorce, custody, adoption 

• Estate Planning: Wills, trusts, probate 

• Corporate Law: Business contracts, compliance 

When Should You Call an Injury Lawyer?

If you’ve been injured and you’re wondering whether to speak to a lawyer, ask yourself: 

• Was someone else at fault? 

• Have you missed work or needed medical treatment? 

• Is the insurance company ignoring or delaying your claim? 

• Are you unsure what your case is worth? 

If the answer to any of those is yes, it’s time to talk to someone who can help. 

“Most people hesitate to call a lawyer because they don’t want to ‘make it a thing’,” claims Lockard. “But the truth is, it’s already a thing the second you’re injured. You’re now up against a system designed to pay out as little as possible. I always tell people to call early, not because you’re ready to sue, but because you need someone who knows how to navigate the storm before it gets worse. The sooner we’re involved, the more we can do to build your case.” 

Results Matter More Than the Name

Whether you call us personal injury lawyers, trial attorneys, or accident attorneys, at J&Y Law, we’ve won over 10,000 cases with a 98% success rate because we fight with strategy and heart. 

When your life changes in an instant, you deserve a team that knows exactly how to put it back together. 

Call J&Y Law at (877) 735-7035 for a free consultation today. No pressure, no cost, just answers to get you started.