10 Personal Injury Myths Debunked

As highly experienced Birmingham personal injury lawyers, our team at Hare Wynn is familiar with the many misconceptions that surround this area of the law. Unfortunately, these misconceptions can deter people from filing a claim and recovering the compensation they deserve.

In this article, we debunk 10 personal injury myths.

1. Minor Injuries Aren’t Worth a Personal Injury Case

You’re entitled to have your medical expenses covered whether your injuries were severe or not. Insurance companies often try to offer the lowest amount for minor injuries, and this may not be enough for your medical bills. In that scenario, a personal injury lawyer can negotiate for a fair settlement.

2. People With Insurance Don’t Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

Having insurance to cover medical expenses and other costs doesn’t mean you don’t need an attorney. Insurance companies are concerned with profits, and they may offer you less than your coverage covers in a first settlement offer. Personal injury lawyers are experienced at negotiating with insurance companies and can help you obtain the best possible settlement.

3. Personal Injury Cases Are Prolonged

Some people hesitate to file a claim with an attorney because they believe that personal injury cases are always long and drawn-out. Most personal injury cases are resolved with an out-of-court settlement. While in some cases it can take years for a settlement to be reached, many resolutions only take a few weeks or months.

The amount of time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim depends on the complexity of the case, whether the case goes to trial, and other factors.

4. The At-Fault Party Will Have to Pay Out of Pocket

Another reason why people may hesitate to file a personal injury claim is that they believe their claim could bankrupt a person or business. In almost every case, the at-fault party’s insurance company pays the compensation.

5. You Can File a Personal Case at Any Time

The statute of limitations governs how long you can seek compensation after an injury. In Alabama, the deadline to file a personal injury claim is two years. However, different time limits apply to claims against the government.

It’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.

6. Holding Out Results in Larger Settlements

In some cases, not accepting the first settlement offer may be the best strategy. But this isn’t always the case. You need an experienced attorney who can assess what your case may be worth and represent you in settlement negotiations. Your lawyer can advise you on whether an amount is fair or if you should hold out for more.

7. Compensation is Guaranteed if The Other Party Was At Fault

Even if the other party was negligent, you need a lawyer to prove this and prove the damages you’re claiming. The opposing legal team can use different defenses to try and avoid liability. Our Birmingham personal injury attorneys are familiar with these tactics.

If you have been injured, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

8. Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer is Too Expensive

Some people are reluctant to hire a personal injury lawyer because they are worried they cannot afford attorney fees. Reputable personal injury law firms, including ours, operate on a contingency fee arrangement. This means you don’t pay any upfront costs. Instead, your lawyer takes a percentage of the compensation award or settlement.

9. I Can Rely on the Insurance Company to Protect My Interests

This is one of the most dangerous personal injury myths. You must be careful when dealing with insurers, because they may use what you say or do to try and deny your claim. Many injured people have to fight their insurance companies to get the money they deserve.

10. You Can Resolve a Personal Injury Claim on Your Own

While you can technically handle a personal injury case on your own, it’s not recommended. As mentioned previously, you stand to receive a better settlement when working with a personal injury lawyer. Our attorneys know how to negotiate with insurance companies and are familiar with the ways insurers try to deny or minimize claims.

Navigating the legal process is often complicated, and you’ll want a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer to guide you through the process.

Contact Hare, Wynn, Newell and Newton Today

If you were hurt in an accident caused by someone’s careless or reckless actions, our team at Hare Wynn is here to help you. Our firm has been serving injured clients for more than 130 years. We have won numerous multi-million dollar jury verdicts and settlements.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation either online or by calling 800-568-5330.