To call or not to call an attorney

Many people have the notion that when it comes to a "small matter" it's less hassle and simpler to not call a lawyer whom they perceive will probably make things more complicated, blow things out of proportion, and otherwise muck up something that seems so simple and straightforward. Nothing could be further from the truth, literally. Don't get me wrong. There are some small cases that certain people can do themselves. Small claims is the place for that. However, how are you going to know which cases qualify and if you are the type of person who could probably handle it? Talk to a lawyer first and he/she will tell you. If you get into a car accident, or get into a sticky situation at work, or get sued and try to handle it yourself, you are almost always going to do or say something that causes harm to your own case and gives the other side an advantage you didn't anticipate. Not only that, the fact you aren't being represented by a professional sends messages to the other side that you are ignorant of the law and how the legal system works and that you do not take the legal system seriously. They also know that there are ways to take advantage of you that a lawyer would never allow. Our office has taken too many cases (although we specifically try not to) where the client tried to do it themselves before calling us.

They realized too late that the legal system is nothing like they imagined and in fact they end up getting totally taken advantage of specifically because they are not being represented by a professional. Do yourself a favor. Call an attorney immediately when you realize you may need legal help. Usually consultations are free. At least you'll have some insight before making a decision. Think about it logically. Don't you want as much information as possible before you make a decision instead of guessing in the dark? If you needed surgery would you get a butter knife and try to cut yourself open? Anyway, you get the drift.