Various myths and misinformation often surround personal injury lawsuits. This can result in people hesitating to take legal action. However, by debunking these myths, people can avoid costly mistakes and get the compensation that they deserve. This article debunks four of the most common myths about personal injury cases.
- You Don’t Need a Lawyer to Handle Your Case
Insurers often market themselves as well-wishers, but their agenda is to reduce payments. Companies train their adjusters to resolve claims as fast and as cheaply as possible. In the absence of an attorney, you can blindly waive the right to compensation in the future.
An experienced personal injury attorney like Steve Dimopoulos equalizes the playing field by negotiating, gathering evidence, and guarding you against lowball offers. In the majority of cases, victims who employ the help of a lawyer are awarded much more than individuals who defend themselves.
- Personal Injury Lawsuits Don’t Have a Deadline
The most dangerous myth concerning personal injury lawsuits is the idea that you may initiate an action at any time. In reality, there are legal time limits called the statute of limitations that are applied in every state and specify the amount of time you have to pursue legal action after an accident or an injury. After the deadline has expired, you might have lost your chance for fair compensation, regardless of how good your evidence is or how grave your injuries are.
The rationale behind these deadlines is to make it fair because evidence has a way of being lost, and the memory of witnesses diminishes with time. Delay in filing a case may severely undermine your case. Vital pieces of evidence, such as surveillance footage or photos of the accident scene, can get lost. Insurance companies tend to employ delay as an excuse to say that you are not as injured as you say. It is advisable to contact a personal injury lawyer immediately after the accident to avoid delays.
- It is Expensive to Hire a Lawyer
Many victims don’t file claims because they believe that hiring a personal injury lawyer is too expensive. In reality, almost all personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency basis, implying that they are paid based on the success of your case. You do not incur any initial expenses, per-hour charges, or retainers.
Rather, your attorney will only be paid when they manage to recover some money on your behalf, usually a percentage of your verdict or settlement, often 30% to 40% based on the complexity of the case. If you lose, you pay no attorney’s fee.
- A Personal Injury Lawsuit Will Take Forever
Many individuals do not pursue a personal injury claim because they believe it will be a long and stressful journey in court. In reality, lawsuits give victims the leverage they need to negotiate fair compensation. After you file a case, both the injured party and the insurance company usually move to a settlement, which does not require the time, cost, and uncertainty of a trial. Settlement can often prove to be the most viable outcome and effective for both parties.
Endnote
Myths and misinformation can discourage accident victims from asserting their rights. The truth is, personal injury law exists to protect you, to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially after an injury that wasn’t your fault. So, don’t hesitate to take action and fight for your rights.