Personal Injury Myths: What You SHOULDN’T Believe

Most of us are inclined to think we’ll never have to deal with a personal injury, but statistics show it may be more likely than you think. The Association For Safe International Road Travel estimates that over 37,000 U.S. residents die in motor vehicle accidents every year, and we know that thousands of others sustain major and minor injuries. Even if you aren’t in a car crash, you could still be injured in another type of accident on someone’s property or while at work.

In many of these cases, it’s best to seek out help from reputable personal injury law firms in your area to help cover medical costs and other fees. But a lot of people are under the impression that filing a claim is unnecessary or that they simply can’t afford to receive assistance from personal injury lawyers. Those misconceptions can keep folks from getting the compensation they deserve. To that end, we’re dispelling some popular personal injury myths.

MYTH: Hiring a lawyer will cost me too much.

Truth: While cost structures may vary between personal injury law firms, legal representation should not represent an undue financial burden. Many lawyers will work on a contingent fee basis, meaning that they won’t get paid unless you win your case. That’s not the setup with every single law firm, but that’s why you should set up consultations with a few different attorneys and discuss costs within those meetings. No matter what, don’t assume that you can’t afford to hire a lawyer.

MYTH: My insurance will cover my medical costs.

Truth: Your insurance company may not be as on your side as you’d think. Ultimately, your insurer is concerned with their own bottom line, which means they will pay out the least amount of money they can for a claim. Even if you have a great relationship with your insurance company, it’s important to remember that their primary concern is themselves. Accident victims who weren’t at all at fault for their accidents may end up paying a lot out of pocket just because they settled for what their insurer was willing to pay. That’s why it’s important to contact personal injury law firms before discussing details of your accident or settling with the insurance claims adjuster.

MYTH: Minor injuries aren’t worth filing a claim over.

Truth: So-called “minor” injuries can translate into steep medical costs that you simply shouldn’t have to pay. If someone else is responsible for your injuries, you should still contact a personal injury attorney first. Whether you downplay your injuries and discover they’re more extensive later or simply don’t realize how much a minor injury can cost, you might realize too late that you’ll be stuck with thousands of dollars in medical fees. Don’t forget that medication, physical therapy, or surgery might be required to treat your injuries, even if they seem relatively small at first. While it’s important to keep expectations in check, you should contact a lawyer if you’ve sustained any type of injury due to someone else’s carelessness.

Whether you’ve been injured in a car crash or due to a defective product, our personal injury lawyers are here to help you. To set up a consultation or to find out more, please contact Mayor Law today.