TOP MISTAKEN BELIEFS ABOUT PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS… AND THE TRUTH

Many accident victims have mistaken beliefs about different aspects of personal injury claims, such as their rights or what to do. As a result, they don’t make a claim or mishandle their claim, and lose out on damages they would have received. These mistaken beliefs have many sources – what you hear on the television or what insurance adjusters, or even friends tell you. Here are some common mistaken beliefs about personal injury claims…and the truth.

I was in a car accident and the other driver does not have any money or insurance, so there’s no use in making a claim.

Not true. There can be other sources for recovering damages. For example, you may be entitled to receive compensation from your own insurance company (with no negative impact on your future premiums), or the other driver’s employer may be liable.

If I make a claim, I will have to go to court, which takes too much time.

Not true. Over 80% of all personal injury claims are settled out of court. Additionally, your lawyer handles the negotiations with insurance adjusters and the other side, which reduces the time you spend on the matter.

Insurance adjusters are on my side.

Not true. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not you. Their job is to pay you as little as possible.

These are just a few of the mistaken beliefs that accident victims have. If you are in an accident, don’t rely on what insurance adjusters or others tell you about personal injury claims. You may think these people mean well, but they may give you misinformation that proves costly to your claim. Instead, consult your lawyer. Your lawyer can explain your rights and other aspects of your claim.