As personal injury lawyers, we know the rules and regulations about car accidents, negligent security, and other instances in which someone faces injury through the fault of another. However, for many of our clients, this is their first experience with this type of law. For this blog post, we want to look at some frequent misconceptions and debunk some common myths.
My Car Insurance Will Handle My Car Accident
Though they will likely be a valuable resource when it comes to property damage after an accident, when it comes to injuries, you should always seek the advice of a personal injury attorney. At the end of the day, insurance companies will do what’s best to protect their bottom line, which may mean getting a settlement that’s in their best interest instead of your own.
Personal Injury Claims are Greedy
This is a common concern in personal injury law, but it is important to understand that the payouts that we obtain are never just “free money”. Personal injury claims are based on a number of factors, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. While medical bills are certainly more easy to assign a monetary value to, other types of non-economic damages such as loss of enjoyment are harder to quantify yet those types of losses are just as real. There’s no clear-cut equation for determining case value, but an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand how it applies to your situation.
I Should Wait to File My Personal Injury Claim
In Georgia, the statute of limitations stipulates that any personal injury or wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the accident date. In some instances, this statute of limitations can be different, so contacting a lawyer in a timely manner is crucial. Though a personal injury lawyer may strategically deny insufficient offers or use waiting tactics when it comes to negotiating with the other side, injured parties themselves should not wait and should contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim is Expensive
Unlike other types of law, the attorneys at Rafi Law Firm ask for nothing up-front. That is because we work on a contingency-basis. This means that we only get paid if you do. Our fees come as a percentage of your settlement, so it will never cost more than you obtain. It will cost you nothing out of pocket to pursue a claim against the party responsible for your injury. In the rare instance in which we were not successful in obtaining a settlement, you will owe us nothing.
Minor Injuries Do Not Need a Lawyer
This myth is a result of several misunderstandings when it comes to injuries. First, many “minor” injuries can sometimes be more severe than what is commonly understood, such as whiplash. Second, some injuries may present as minor at the time, but lead to chronic pain and related complications. Lastly, a smaller injury may lead to a smaller recovery, but that is okay. No matter how mild or severe, those injured due to the negligence of others deserve compensation for their medical bills and related costs. An experienced injury lawyer can help you understand your options in each individual situation.