Accidents are unfortunate as they can lead to injuries, incapacity, and even loss of employment if you are gravely injured. Thankfully, personal injury law comes to the rescue of the victims who fall prey to the negligence of reckless drivers. However, getting compensation in such cases is easier said than done because there is a lot that you may have to prove in the court and you will probably need to fight it out against a big insurance company. It is best to hire a personal injury lawyer to handle your case and get you a favorable verdict. But there are a few myths that create a wrong impression about these professionals. So let us clear them up for you so that you can hire one with full confidence.
Myth #1: A personal injury lawyer is not needed in case of minor injuries
Obviously, you will need professional legal assistance if you are involved in an accident that has caused permanently disabling injuries. But this does not mean that minor injuries need to be overlooked because these too exert financial burden. You will require medical treatment and lose wages due to absence from work. Whether the injuries are minor or serious, you still have a rightful claim over compensation if the accident is someone else’s fault. So you should still go ahead and hire a specialist lawyer to represent your case.
Myth #2: It is advisable to accept the first settlement offer and get money
You may be advised to accept the very first settlement offer and get the money rather than fight a case for compensation. But this is not the right way to go because negotiation may end up as a lowball settlement. Rather than letting the other party take advantage of your vulnerability, you should stand firm and proceed legally to get a justified compensation under the personal injury law. Just a little patience and expert assistance can help you get compensation for the physical injuries and emotional trauma that you may have experienced.
Myth #3: Personal injury cases stretch for long periods of time
Another common misconception that can dissuade you from getting into a legal battle for claiming compensation in case of an accident is that these cases are generally stretched for long. This is not the truth because many of the cases are resolved even before making it to trial. As this article here explains, you can get your claim sooner than expected if you choose a skilled and experienced lawyer to represent you. Further, the complexity of the case can also have a bearing on its time span.
Myth #4: You can hire just any lawyer to handle your personal injury case
If you do not have adequate knowledge of the legal system, you may think that a divorce or bankruptcy lawyer will be able to handle your personal injury case well enough. Conversely, this law is complex and involves a lot of details that only a specialist can understand and address. Therefore, you should look for someone who specializes in this domain and has plenty of relevant experience. A good track record with successful personal injury cases in their kitty is another plus.
Myth #5: You do not need an attorney unless you want to go to the court
A common belief is that you would require the services of an attorney only if you plan to fight it out in the court. Ironically, a major proportion of personal injury cases get settled out of court. But you should still have a lawyer representing you as he can get you a rightful claim. An attorney can look after end-to-end needs, from documenting the damages, proving the liability and negotiating for the highest possible settlement on your behalf.
Myth #6: The law protects your interests from the insurance company
Even though legal norms are meant to protect the best interest of the victim, they may still be at a disadvantage. This happens mostly because victims are usually pitted against large insurance companies that have the resources to fight cases against them. Victims, on the other hand, may lose their conviction at any point in time. An experienced lawyer is needed to assist you and use the personal injury law to your advantage.
Now that the myths related to personal injury law and lawyers have been debunked, you will probably understand the significance of hiring an expert for you case. Not only can they help you get a rightful claim for your injury in the accident, but also protect your dignity and confidence.
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