There are many benefits to retaining an attorney if you have been hurt in an accident.  Your attorney takes on the responsibility of dealing with the insurance companies, which can be a frustrating process.  In addition, an attorney can conduct their own investigation into the case to determine who is at fault and what the proper compensation should be.  This investigation may lead to evidence of distracted driving like texting or talking on a cell phone, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and disobeying traffic signals.  An attorney will also know where to look to find additional insurance coverage, just because the insurance adjuster tells your there is a $25,000 policy limit, that does not mean that is all you there is available.  Finally, an experienced personal injury attorney knows the law and how the legal system works.