You’ve been injured in a car accident. You don’t know what to do.

Once the smoke clears and the wounds are healing, you may look back on the accident and feel overwhelmed with your new reality. It is important for you and for your family members to protect your rights. A car accident lawyer can guide you through the dark days after a crash and help put your life back on track. These are the top five reasons you need an attorney.

1. Your health is your most valuable asset.

Your health is everything. Wealth, fame and talent all fade when your health is declining. Injuries after a car accident can be severe. You may take months or even years to recover properly. Some injuries are permanent and will affect you for the rest of your life. An experienced car accident lawyer will examine the details of your case and determine if you may be owed compensation for your injuries.

2. Protect your financial future.

Your injuries may have made it difficult or impossible for you to work. You may have massive medical bills stacking up. Medical bills drive many people to bankruptcy, so you should protect your financial future for yourself and your family. If you are unable to work, it’s also important to consider the lost income. Your family looks to you for financial well-being, and an attorney can help.

3. Insurance companies have a bottom line.

Insurance companies always put their own interests first. They want to protect their bottom line and pay out as little as possible. You may be offered a sum to settle immediately after an accident; be wary of such offers, you may not be getting a fair amount. Consulting with an attorney can help protect your rights.

4. An attorney understands the complexities of the law.

If your air conditioner breaks, you do not call your plumber to fix it. The same would apply to a court case. You may feel prepared with a do-it-yourself kit from the internet, but a qualified, seasoned attorney will understand the complexities of the law. The accident has profoundly impacted your life, so trust a professional car accident lawyer to handle the gritty details and get your life back on track.

5. The right law office will treat you like family.

You don’t have to go at it alone. You can have someone in your corner, working for you and protecting your health and financial future. The right law firm will treat you kindly, with compassion, and like family. They will listen to your case without requiring large, up-front fees. Make the smart choice and find a firm that will straighten out the turmoil after a car accident.