Most people are generally aware that they can claim compensation if they’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s fault or negligence. However, most people also feel seriously overwhelmed and unsure of the specifics of the steps to take after being hurt in an accident.
Personal injury law is complex. There are many myths and misconceptions when it comes to personal injury claims that can result in mistakes, delays, reduction in compensation received, or worse—the outright denial of valid claims. In today’s blog post, we will debunk some of the most common myths. If you would like more information, need guidance, or want to know if you have a case, we welcome you to get in touch with a Sault Ste. Marie personal injury lawyer at our firm for a free consultation.
Top Personal Injury Law Myths And Misconceptions
You can’t bring a claim for “minor injuries”
You may think you weren’t injured at all, or that your injuries are minor so you should just put it all behind you. The truth is that even seemingly “minor” accidents can cause serious, lasting injuries. Pain and other symptoms may not be noticeable at first due to shock and adrenaline. Some injuries like whiplash, a brain injury, or chronic may not be apparent until some time after the accident. An injury that seems minor can worsen or result in unexpected complications.
If you’ve been involved in an accident, the best course of action is to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. You should also speak to a personal injury lawyer about the potential for a claim before deciding to walk away or accepting any sort of settlement offer.
You have insurance, so you don’t need a lawyer
Insurance adjusters and claims examiners may seem friendly and helpful—especially early in the claims process—but make no mistake: their goal is to close your claim as quickly as possible, for as little money as possible. Insurance companies aren’t usually forthcoming about all the accident benefits or types of damages available to you.
All insurance adjusters and claims examiners work for the insurance company, and the insurance company is in the business of making money. You’re not on a level playing field with the insurance company, and the claims examiner and insurance adjuster are not on your side. Hiring a Sault St. Marie personal injury lawyer from our firm can help level the playing field.
You can start your personal injury claim whenever you want
The reality is that there are strict notice requirements and deadlines associated with personal injury claims. If you wait too long and or fail to give required notice, it can be fatal to your right to receive compensation. We strongly recommend that you reach out to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to learn about the limitation periods and notice requirements that apply to your specific type of claim. It’s also a good idea to get the claim process rolling sooner than later so you and your lawyer have enough time to speak to witnesses and gather evidence before it is lost.
Your personal injury lawsuit will financially ruin the defendant
People are often reluctant to sue after suffering a personal injury—especially if the accident was caused by a family member or friend—because they believe that the lawsuit will bankrupt that person. The truth is that most people have liability insurance, so they do not have to pay out of pocket to resolve a personal injury claim. Whether your lawsuit is settled by negotiation or resolved after a trial, it’s typically the insurance company that pays the settlement or damage award. So long as they have insurance coverage in place, your friend or family member is not personally responsible for paying monetary compensation to you.
You must go to trial to get personal injury compensation
No one wants to be bogged down in a lengthy court case, and the thought of going to trial is traumatizing to some people. If the defendant is being unreasonable and is not prepared to pay fair compensation, then the matter would have to go to trial. However, most defendants are just as motivated to avoid the time and expense of a trial.
The reality is that the vast majority of personal injury cases settle without the need for a trial. There are numerous opportunities to resolve a personal injury claim outside of proceeding to trial, including private mediations or through a pre-trial hearing, which is conducted out of court with the input of a pre-trial judge giving his or her recommendations of resolution.
Reach Out To An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Sault Ste. Marie law firm Feifel Gualazzi specializes in obtaining financial compensation for people who’ve been hurt in motor vehicle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and accidents involving ATVs, motorcycles, and snowmobiles.
Our team is here to help you navigate your personal injury lawsuit and any insurance issues. Our personal injury lawyers will help you explore your legal options to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. We serve clients in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers, please contact us today.