There are plenty of myths and misconceptions surrounding personal injury lawsuits, which unfortunately can keep many people from filing claims. Some of these common myths circulate throughout social circles and media, leaving those who are dealing with long-term effects and injuries feel as though they are not entitled to compensation.
Misconceptions About Personal Injury Myths
To have a more realistic expectation through this process, let’s take a look at the most common misconceptions surrounding personal injury claims, lawsuits, and lawyers:
Your Insurance Will Cover All the Costs
Injuries from car accidents are very common, yet insurance companies only pay approximately half of the costs associated with vehicle accidents. Victims of car accidents may have to pay up to 25% of their injury or repair costs out of pocket, and depending on the severity of the accident, these costs can add up quickly. Depending on your coverage, your insurance rates may also increase. This gives plenty of reason to file a personal injury claim, as insurance companies will often refuse to pay what the claim is worth.
It’s Greedy to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
This perception is typically the reason so many people choose to not file a personal injury claim, but if you have been the victim of someone else’s negligence or malicious intent, it is not greedy to require medical expenses and property damage repairs to be covered. Medical bills add up quickly, and property damage can inflict trouble in your everyday life and your ability to work. Filing lawsuits against those who have caused harm is important to hold them responsible for their actions, and seeking justice for your own property damage and injuries may help mitigate those damages to others in the future.
Personal Injury Lawsuits Take a Long Time
Not all personal injury lawsuits are the same, so it is impossible to determine how long a claim may take to process. Some cases can be complicated, which can take years to resolve, whereas some are straightforward and able to be processed in a shorter amount of time. Most injury lawsuit cases are not sent to trial, and victims are compensated through negotiations of both parties.
You Can File a Personal Injury Claim Any Time After Your Accident
There are occasionally personal injury victims who think they should wait to file their claim until their injuries have healed, but with statute of limitations in place, it’s important to contact a lawyer immediately after your accident. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years that begins from the date of your accident. If you believe a state, county, or city agency is at-fault for your accident, you have six months to file a claim. When seeking compensation for property damage, like vehicle repairs or replacement, you have three years. There are some occurrences where you are able to extend the time frame to file your lawsuit, but typically these circumstances are complex and limited.
The Negligent Party Will Pay Out of Pocket
Some victims in an accident will choose not to file a claim against the person at-fault because they believe the other party will have to pay out of pocket for their pain and suffering, medical expenses, and property damage. Even if the other party is responsible for the accident, their insurance will be paying the settlement and compensation. Your lawyer will be negotiating a settlement with the insurance company, while you pay out of pocket or through your health insurance for your own medical expenses until the negligent party is obligated to pay a certain amount.
You Are Guaranteed Compensation
Many personal injury claims can be resolved without appearing in court. While it is rare, if your case does go to court, a jury will be required to determine if you deserve compensation for your injuries. Each case is different, and depending on circumstances, your compensation amount will vary. Even if you are able to prove the other party is guilty, the defending legal team can evade liability, so it is important to gather as much evidence as you can for your personal injury attorney to review every detail of your case in order for you to receive the best possible compensation.
It’s Not Worth Hiring a Lawyer for Minor Injuries
Even if your injuries are relatively minor, the costs of hospital visits, diagnostic tests, or ongoing treatment can add up over time. Instead of paying for these expenses out of your own pocket, the other party should be liable for those costs. It is important to never downplay any of your injuries, and if you are a victim of someone else’s negligence or malicious intent, you should not have to pay for medical expenses to treat your injuries.
Trusted Legal Support from Hann Law Firm
At Hann Law Firm, we take a personal approach from the very start. We address your specific challenges, prepare diligently for the best possible outcome in the courtroom, and create a personalized plan to help guide you through your personal injury lawsuit and receive the compensation you deserve.
We know your case is important to you, and we take it just as personally. You and your case matters to us, and we’re here to provide the best quality legal representation.
Contact us for a free consultation if you or someone you love has suffered from any type of injury, and let us help negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement on your behalf.
