What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

When someone says they're a “personal injury lawyer,” it may sound straightforward—but the work they do is anything but simple. At Montanez Yu, we meet people during some of the hardest moments of their lives: after a car crash, a slip and fall, a dog bite, or some other traumatic experience that leaves them hurt, scared, and unsure of what to do next. Personal injury law exists to help people get back on their feet—not just physically, but financially and emotionally as well.

But what does a personal injury lawyer actually do on a day-to-day basis? Let’s break it down.

1. We Investigate the Case

First and foremost, we gather the facts. When a new client contacts our firm, we don’t just take their word for what happened—we dig deep. We collect accident reports, speak to witnesses, review medical records, and often bring in experts (like accident reconstruction specialists or doctors) to fully understand how the injury occurred and who’s responsible.

Our job is to build a case that proves negligence—that someone else acted carelessly or irresponsibly, and that action caused harm to our client.

This early investigation stage is crucial. A strong case begins with strong evidence, and it’s our job to find it.

2. We Deal With the Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may sound friendly on the phone, but they work for the insurance company—not for you. One of the biggest mistakes injured people make is trying to handle conversations with adjusters themselves.

A personal injury lawyer steps in as your advocate. We handle all communication with insurance companies so that our clients don’t say something that could be used against them later. We push back on lowball offers and present evidence to support the real value of your claim.

This isn’t about playing hardball—it’s about making sure injured people aren’t taken advantage of while they’re at their most vulnerable.

3. We Calculate the True Value of a Claim

Many people think a personal injury claim is only about paying medical bills, but the truth is much broader. A skilled lawyer will consider:

• Past and future medical expenses

• Lost wages from time missed at work

• Loss of future earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Permanent disability or disfigurement

• Loss of enjoyment of life

Every case is different. That’s why we take the time to understand how your injuries have impacted your life beyond the doctor’s office. A fair settlement isn’t just about the bills—it’s about justice.

4. We Negotiate Settlements

Most personal injury cases don’t go to trial—and that’s often a good thing. Trials can be expensive, stressful, and time-consuming. But that doesn’t mean the settlement process is easy.

Negotiation is a skill. It involves strategy, timing, evidence, and a deep understanding of how insurance companies operate. At Montanez Yu, we bring decades of combined experience to the negotiation table. We know what’s fair, and we’re not afraid to fight for it.

If the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, we don’t hesitate to move to the next step.

5. We File Lawsuits and Go to Court When Necessary

Sometimes, the only way to get justice is to file a lawsuit. When that happens, we take the case to civil court and begin the litigation process.

Litigation includes a number of steps:

• Filing a complaint

• Conducting discovery (gathering evidence from the other side)

• Taking depositions (formal interviews under oath)

• Pre-trial motions

• Jury selection

• Trial

It’s not always a fast process, but it’s sometimes the only way to force an insurance company—or the person or business responsible—to take the matter seriously.

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, even if it never gets there. That preparation gives us leverage during settlement talks and ensures we’re ready to go the distance if necessary.

6. We Advise and Support Clients Every Step of the Way

This might be the most underrated part of what we do: we’re there for our clients.

Personal injury isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a deeply personal one. People come to us in pain, overwhelmed, and unsure of their rights. It’s our job to provide clear, honest guidance so they can make informed decisions.

So, what does a personal injury lawyer do? We explain legal jargon in plain English. We set realistic expectations. We return phone calls and respond to emails. We’re not just handling a case—we’re helping a person rebuild their life.

That level of care matters. A good lawyer isn’t just a fighter in the courtroom; they’re also a trusted counselor and a calm presence during a chaotic time.

7. We Work on a Contingency Fee Basis

Here’s something many people don’t realize: most personal injury lawyers, including us at Montanez Yu, work on a contingency fee basis. That means we don’t get paid unless we win.

There are no upfront costs. No hourly billing. No retainer fees. We take on the risk so our clients can focus on healing without worrying about how to afford legal help.

If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

So… What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Really Do?

We fight for people who’ve been hurt through no fault of their own. We hold wrongdoers accountable. We challenge powerful insurance companies. We give injured individuals a voice and a path toward recovery.

At the end of the day, being a personal injury lawyer isn’t just about lawsuits or settlements—it’s about justice, compassion, and results.

If you or a loved one has been injured and don’t know where to turn, reach out to Montanez Yu. We’ll listen to your story, walk you through your options, and stand by your side every step of the way.

Schedule a free consultation today
📞 Call: (833) 695-2966
www.montanezyu.com

Let’s talk about how we can help.

Learn more about the different ways we can help you.