Do I need a lawyer if I am being sued for a personal injury? 26 Answers as of February 21, 2012

You do need a lawyer. I would contact attorneys that are more oriented toward criminal defense.

You should try and turn in the complaint to your car insurance agent. There may be coverage through your car insurance for this loss. Either way, I would get an attorney though to ensure that your rights are protected.

Try legal aid if you can't afford a lawyer. If you can afford a lawyer try a lawyer referral service.

If you have homeowners insurance, you may have insurance coverage. You should check with them first. If there is coverage, the insurance will provide an attorney to you. If there is no coverage, you probably still need an attorney, but you will have to pay the attorney yourself. Without an attorney it is likely you will lose the case and have a large judgment against you.

Yes, in my opinion, you should find a personal injury or trial lawyer in your community to represent you. Good luck!

Have you tried contacting your homeowner's insurance and reporting the lawsuit to them? Or your car insurance? If a lawsuit has been filed against you, you definitely need a lawyer to represent you. If neither your homeowner's insurance nor your car insurance will cover you, ask them who they recommend to represent you, but be prepared to pay at least $100 an hour for that lawyer.

I don't see many attorneys taking your case unless you pay them by the hour which may no be worth it.

If you have homeowner's insurance you can see if they will provide counsel.

You should try to find a lawyer to help you. If you had insurance, your insurance company may pay for a lawyer. Make sure to talk to your insurance company if you have one. If you did not have insurance and you cannot afford an attorney, you may try to contact legal services in your area.

If you own your home and have homeowners' coverage or general liability coverage, then put them on notice of the claim against you. I would recommend you find counsel. However, generally, the claim against you sounds speculative. Stay well.

Yes, you will need an attorney to represent you. They will likely charge by the hour.

If you do not own a house or other real estate, you might not need an attorney. You would be what we sometimes call "judgment proof". They may get a judgment against you, but you have no property from which they could collect. You should file an answer to the suit if you decide not to hire a lawyer. You can do this by simply making a written statement setting out which paragraphs of the lawsuit you agree with and which ones you disagree with. For example, "the Defendant admits paragraphs 1,2 and 3, The Defendant denies paragraphs 4,5 and 6." Sign the statement , file the original with the court and send a copy to the attorney. It is best to hire an attorney. You should check with you auto insurer and homeowners insurer as to whether your insurance covers this. If it does, they will hire and attorney. If not , if you offer to pay a fee, you should be able to find an attorney.

Do you have any type of homeowner's or renter's insurance? They may be obligated to prove defense counsel for you. Otherwise you will need to pay a lawyer to defend you in this civil suit. It will be an expensive process. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, you may need to consult with a bankruptcy lawyer to see if this type of charge can be discharged in bankruptcy. You are in a very difficult predicament.

You may not have to pay for a lawyer yourself. If you have car insurance and/or renters/homeowners insurance, contact your insurance companies to see if they will provide you with a defense (pay for a lawyer to defend the claims).

Do you have home owners or other insurance that might provide a defense? Do you have any money or assets that could pay a judgment? Maybe Legal Services Corporation can help provide a defense? Or call Bar Associations in your county to see if they have a reduced fee list.