Wrong! Virtually every state - from California to Georgia to Virginia - has laws on the books that may entitle you to more than reimbursement for a doctor's bill for treating whiplash. Here are guidelines for when and why you should consult a personal injury lawyer.

Automobile Accidents

Over two and a half million people across the country were injured in automobile-related accidents last year and 42,000 were killed, including 1,600 in Georgia alone. If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, you deserve to be reimbursed for your medical expenses, but you are also entitled to receive a settlement or compensation for loss of income, physical injury, and psychological harm.

Motorcycle Accidents

It's heartbreaking to realize how many motorcycle accidents result in serious head injury or in loss of life. Over ten percent of all traffic fatalities are those of motorcyclists. Even when the motorcyclist survives, his or her life can change irrevocably. That's why the law is designed to compensate the victim of a motorcycle accident or, in the case of death, his or her survivors.

Trucking Accidents

We've all heard horror stories of long distance truck drivers falling asleep at the wheel and causing tragic accidents. While truck drivers are very conscientious, the sheer size of their vehicles means that the effects of a crash increase exponentially. Whether because of fatigue, tire blowouts, failed brakes, or another cause, trucking accidents can cause extremely serious injuries and even death.

Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney

If you've been in an automobile, motorcycle, or trucking accident and you were not at fault, consulting a personal injury attorney will ensure that you receive all of the compensation to which you're entitled. Although you may be tempted to work it out with the insurance companies on your own, think twice before doing so. Sustaining an injury in a traffic accident is traumatizing, and you are not in the best position to objectively take the proper course of action. While insurance companies can be extremely helpful, their ultimate goal is to minimize the amount of money they are required to pay.

In many instances, an injury sustained in a traffic accident may not be immediately apparent, or there may be recurring problems with long-term implications for your job and your medical expenses. A personal injury lawyer has the experience to anticipate issues that may arise in the future, and can act as your advocate in the present. Keep in mind that most states, such as Georgia, have a statute of limitations, so it's doubly important to consult an attorney sooner, rather than later.

Consulting a lawyer doesn't necessarily mean that you will end up filing a lawsuit; indeed, the typical personal injury case results in an out of court settlement. The best attorneys offer free consultations, and should be able to outline your options and the results that can be expected from a case such as yours. The law clearly recognizes that victims of traffic accidents are entitled to compensation; you should absolutely consult with a personal injury attorney in order to preserve your rights under the law.