5 Common Myths About Auto Accidents

• June 24, 2023
• Strong Law
• Car Accidents

Following a car accident, it is common to seek guidance from friends and family members. They can provide valuable advice on recovery if they have personally experienced a similar situation. However, relying solely on this “crowd sourcing” of information may pose risks, particularly when individuals offer insights based on hearsay rather than personal experience. It is important to exercise caution and verify the credibility of the advice received.

Debunking Misconceptions Surrounding Car Accident Cases and Insurance Claims

Regrettably, numerous misconceptions revolve around injuries, claims, and lawsuits related to car accidents. Falling prey to any of these myths can lead to a loss of compensation for your injuries. The most common myths that continue to circulate about crash cases include:

1. Car accident laws are the same in every state. The laws governing accidents, such as fault determination and time limits for filing claims, can vary depending on the state you reside in. In many states, car accidents are governed by a “fault” system for insurance coverage, which holds the at-fault driver responsible for the costs associated with injuries and damages resulting from the collision. However, some states also employ comparative negligence laws, which take into account the respective levels of fault shared by each party involved in the accident when determining the amount of compensation that can be awarded. If you are found to bear some responsibility for the accident, even if your injuries are severe, the amount of compensation you receive from an insurer may be significantly reduced.
2. It’s better to let our insurance companies work it out than hire an attorney. While insurance companies play a crucial role in providing financial support during challenging times, it’s important to remember that they are profit-driven businesses. Frequently, policyholders mistakenly view their insurance adjuster as a helpful figure, when in reality these agents are incentivized to minimize claims or deny them outright. Given insurers’ efforts to evade responsibility, seeking legal representation may be necessary to ensure fair compensation for your claim. As former insurance adjusters, our firm possesses invaluable insights into the tactics employed by insurance companies to undervalue car accident claims, enabling us to effectively navigate this landscape.
3. It doesn’t matter which attorney handles my case, as long as he has injury experience.  Many attorneys claim to be experienced in handling injury cases, but not all experiences are created equal. An attorney who specializes in slip and fall cases may not be the best choice for a car crash claim, just as an attorney who has successfully handled car accident cases may lack experience in dealing with trucking companies. The right attorney for you is the one who has expertise in your specific type of vehicle crash, your particular injuries, and your insurance issues. Moreover, they should have a track record of success in both trying cases in court and negotiating settlements.
4. If you haven’t sued by now, you missed your chance. While it is true that there is a limited window of time for individuals to seek compensation for an injury, this time limit is determined by the state. The statute of limitations on car accident cases is different in states. This means that the case must be filed within one year from the date of the accident (or the date of death resulting from a crash), otherwise the right to receive payment is forfeited.

   It is not uncommon for victims to initially underestimate the severity of their injuries, only to experience a worsening condition in the following weeks. In some cases, these injuries can even lead to long-term effects such as arthritis. If your doctor confirms that your injuries are indeed related to the car accident and the one-year time limit has not yet expired, you remain eligible to pursue a case and seek the compensation you deserve.

1. Hiring an attorney is too expensive, and not worth the hassle. If your accident resulted in minimal damage and only minor injuries, it may not be necessary to enlist the services of an attorney. However, individuals who have experienced accidents that lead to substantial medical expenses, vehicle damage, and extended time away from work typically benefit from seeking legal guidance. Our personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs for legal representation, and we only receive payment once you have received a settlement.

If you or someone you love has suffered significant losses due to a car accident, we can help. Call Strong Law at (206) 737-1421 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our legal team.