Do I need a lawyer? I was in an auto accident, the other driver was at fault and cited.?

I broke ribs and got banged up which kinda seems minor injuries to me. I was in pain for awhile and my activities were limited due to the rib pain and sleeping was difficult. I was thankful I didn't end up in the hospital in traction or in surgery or grossely disfigured or anything like that. I walked away alive! I have been prompted by most my friends to hire a lawyer and sue and told that if I don't I won't be compensated rightly for my pain and suffering and that that's just the way it goes. What amount of compensation is the norm for this type of injury? and can it be awarded without an attorney?