When you or someone you love is injured in an auto accident, you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and more. However, there are various myths or misconceptions about auto accident lawsuits that often dissuade people from hiring a lawyer and taking legal action after being involved in a crash. We are here to educate you on your rights and debunk these myths so that you can make the right decision for you and your family. With the guidance of a car accident attorney, you can navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected. .
Watch the video below for a quick overview of some of these misconceptions. Cochran Firm Philadelphia attorneys, David Sternberg and Jennifer Santiago, address the following myths:
1. People with insurance don’t need a personal injury lawyer.
2. Personal injury cases are long and drawn out.
3. Minor injuries don’t warrant a lawyer.
Myth #1: You Don’t Need A Lawyer If You Have Insurance
All but two States in the U.S. require vehicle owners to hold a certain level of car insurance. The coverage type and minimums vary among States, but unless you live in New Hampshire or Virginia chances are you have a monthly car insurance bill.
This coverage is required because of liability and for the intended purpose of covering costs of bodily harm and property damage if you are involved in a wreck. The preconceived idea that if you have insurance, then you don’t need a lawyer though is false. If you are injured by a negligent party, the insurance company is going to be negotiating on the behalf of them – not you, not the plaintiff. In addition, the insurance company is going to have their own interest in mind. Keeping payouts to a minimum and often offering the lowest settlement possible. This is why you should never settle on the first offer or without speaking to an attorney.
If you or a loved one is injured in a crash by no fault of your own, you deserve to be reimbursed for medical treatment, ongoing medical expenses, and for whatever other damages you incurred. Your insurance company is not going to get you anywhere close to the amount you will need to cover these types of costs. But hiring an auto accident attorney will ensure you get every penny you deserve or more.
Myth #2: Auto Accident Lawsuits Require Going to Court
Perhaps the most daunting part about considering legal action is the costs associated with it. Financially, you have to think about the costs of hiring an attorney and court fees. And in terms of time, you have to think about how long the process will last and how much time you personally have to invest, even with the help of an attorney.
This brings us to the second myth, which is that auto accident lawsuits require going to court. Many people are intimidated by the additional costs and time involved in going to trial, but only about 5% of personal injury claims make it to court. The cases that do go to court are generally very complicated, such as when fault is in question or when the car manufacturer is found to have had a role in the event or seriousness of the injuries sustained. Generally speaking though, auto accident lawsuits do not require you to go to court or in front of a jury. Your attorney would communicate directly with the opposing insurance company to negotiate and come up with a fair settlement.
Myth #3: Minor Injuries Don’t Warrant A Lawsuit
Auto accidents and the injuries sustained by its victims vary greatly. No one will argue that a wreck resulting in serious trauma or death warrants a lawsuit, but some think that a fender bender with minimal bruising and maybe a sprain does not. This is far from the truth. Even in these less severe cases, consulting a truck accident attorney can be a crucial step to ensure that all legal rights are preserved and potential compensation is fully explored.
Firstly, what may be considered a small or minor injury to one may in fact be something much more serious to another. No one person can say or judge what is considered a “severe enough” injury to ensue a lawsuit. Furthermore, no matter the extent of your injury – if you are injured because someone else was negligent, then you have the right to be compensated for that injury.
Whether you suffer a sprained wrist or require intensive medical care, do not hesitate to take legal action against the negligent party. You deserve fair compensation for your injuries, both big and small. And the auto accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm Philadelphia would be honored to represent your case and fight on your behalf.
Contact Us Today
During this time, The Cochran Firm Philadelphia is continuing to take our own precautionary measures amidst COVID-19, but do not fear – we are still here for you. If you or a loved one needs us this holiday season, we will work with you virtually and waste no time. We will review your case and proceed if we feel we can obtain a favorable outcome, while keeping the health and wellbeing of everyone a priority. We will ensure your case remains on track and keep you in the loop throughout the entire process.
The attorneys at our Philadelphia office have secured numerous multimillion-dollar awards for victims of serious injury and many have even been recognized as Super Lawyers for their personal injury successes.
When you are the victim of serious injury or illness, you deserve someone on your side who is both intimately familiar with state and federal laws, and fully devoted to helping you get maximum compensation. Call us today to schedule your FREE case evaluation at 1-800-THE-FIRM.