Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a minor fender bender?

For truly minor accidents with no injuries, you may be able to handle the property damage claim yourself. However, you mentioned neck pain—that changes things. 'Minor' neck pain can sometimes develop into chronic issues. Before settling anything, see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis. If your injuries turn out to be more serious, you'll want legal representation. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so it costs nothing to get professional advice.

Here's a general rule: if there are any injuries involved, at least consult with an attorney. Studies show that accident victims who hire attorneys typically receive significantly higher settlements, even after attorney fees. The insurance company has experienced adjusters working to minimize your payout—having someone equally experienced on your side levels the playing field.

Don't underestimate neck injuries. What feels like minor pain now could be a herniated disc or soft tissue damage that worsens over time. I've seen 'minor' accidents result in years of treatment. Get checked out by a doctor, keep records of your symptoms, and don't sign any releases until you're confident your injuries have fully resolved. If the insurance company is being cooperative now, that's great—but their cooperation often ends when you start asking for fair compensation for injuries.

One more consideration: once you settle and sign a release, you can never go back for more money. If your neck pain turns into something requiring surgery six months from now, you're out of luck. At minimum, wait until you've reached 'maximum medical improvement'—the point where your condition has stabilized—before settling any injury claim.

To directly answer your question: for property damage only, you can probably handle it yourself. For any injury claim, even seemingly minor ones, I recommend at least a free consultation with an attorney. We can quickly assess whether your case warrants legal representation or if you're fine handling it on your own. There's no downside to getting professional advice.