• 18 Nov 2024

Myths vs. Reality: The Truth About Personal Injury Claims

 

Personal injury claims often feel like a maze of complexities and misconceptions. These misunderstandings can hinder you from understanding your rights and seeking justice and fair compensation. Let’s cut through the confusion by debunking the top 7 most prevalent myths about personal injury claims, so you can navigate this often-confusing landscape with greater confidence. 

 

Myth 1: All Personal Injury Claims Go to Trial

Reality: The majority of personal injury cases are actually settled out of court. In fact, over 95% of cases are settled out of court, with the vast majority being settled through negotiations. Resolving cases outside of the courtroom not only saves time and legal expenses but also give clients a quicker resolution, which can be crucial when dealing with medical bills and other expenses. Only if a fair settlement can’t be reached, then an experience attorney will be prepared to take the case to trial. However, without an experienced attorney that does try cases, it's difficult to get the insurance company to treat you fairly because most folks are not able to prosecute their case in court without one. 

 

Myth 2: You Can Only Claim Medical Expenses

Reality: Compensation for personal injury claims extends beyond medical expenses. Depending on the injury, you may be eligible for pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress. An experienced personal injury attorney will help you assess the full scope of damages you are entitled to claim.  

 

Myth 3: Insurance Companies Have Your Best Interest

Reality: Insurance companies might seem supportive, but their main goal is to protect their profit, whether it's your insurance company or the at-fault driver's. Adjustors work to minimize payouts, which means they may downplay injuries or try to settle quickly to avoid larger settlements. This is why it’s important that you have a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to advocate for your best interests. 

 

Myth 4: All Injuries Are Immediately Apparent 

Reality: Many injuries, like concussions or whiplash, don’t show symptoms until days or even weeks after the accident. This delayed onset can be problematic if medical attention isn’t sought right away. Even if you feel fine initially, always see a doctor following an accident. This safeguards your health but also establishes a medical record, which can be helpful if you need to support your claim later. 

 

Myth 5: You Won’t Be Able to Afford a Lawyer

Reality: Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they don’t get paid unless they win your case. This makes quality legal representation more accessible and allows you to hire expert legal representation with no out-of-pocket costs. When you’re awarded compensation, the attorney’s fees will come out of your settlement amount. At Paul Robinson Law, we believe everyone should have access to top-notch legal support regardless of your financial situation. 

 

Myth 6: All Cases Are the Same

Reality: No two personal injury cases are exactly alike. Each case is shaped by a unique set of factors, including the severity of the injuries, insurance policies, and state laws. Comparing your case to someone else’s can lead to unrealistic expectations. For example, a car accident involving extensive injuries will likely result in a different settlement than a minor accident with a quicker recovery time. A skilled personal injury attorney will help manage your expectations and help advise you on the specifics of your case. 

 

Myth 7: I Don’t Need a Personal Injury Attorney 

Reality: While it’s technically possible to handle a claim on your own, an attorney drastically increases your likelihood of receiving fair compensation. Attorneys understand the complexities of personal injury law and know how to counter tactics used by insurance companies. They handle all the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations, allowing you to focus on recovery. Most attorneys will also protect you after the settlement to ensure your medical providers are paid sometimes even negotiating those bills down to maximize money in your pocket. Additionally, lawyers can also help you avoid mistakes that could reduce the value of your claim. 

 

Why Choose Paul Robinson Law?

Understanding the realities of personal injury law is a step toward making wise and informed decisions in the face of an unfortunate event. If you or someone you know has been injured, it’s important to have the best personal injury attorney on your side. Paul Robinson Law is here to assist you, proudly serving Raleigh and the surrounding areas with expert and compassionate support. Call us today for a free consultation!