3 Common Myths About Car Accident Claims

Following a motor-vehicle collision, it’s natural to turn to friends, loved ones, and colleagues for advice. Chances are at least one of them has also been involved in a crash, so they may be able to share some valuable information.

Since there are a lot of common misconceptions about car accidents, though, you should be wary of “crowdsourcing” advice. At the end of the day, even the most well-intentioned relative could share misinformation that has the potential to jeopardize your claim.

To avoid falling for any such myths, read on. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about car accident claims:

1. Victims Can Count on Claims Adjusters to Fight for Them

No matter how supportive the claims adjuster seems, you need to remember that their interests are in direct competition with your own. While you want to secure a payout that actually covers all the damages you incur, they want to protect the carrier’s bottom line—and that means denying or at least devaluing every case they review. 

2. It’s Not Worth Taking Action If You Suffered Only Minor Damages

If you sustained only minor injuries and missed no more than a week or so of work, you may assume that taking action won’t be worth the hassle. While it’s true that legal proceedings are inherently complicated, most car accident claims are settled. That means the chance of you actually having to go to course is small.

What’s more, you can seek compensation for a lot more than medical bills and lost wages. In Florida, personal injury claimants may also pursue funds for damages like property repairs, alternative transportation, home and vehicle modifications, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment in life. 

3. Hiring an Attorney Is Expensive

One of the most common reasons why injured parties don’t retain counsel is the assumption that they cannot afford it. Since most reputable car accident lawyers work on contingency, though, you won’t actually have to cover any legal fees out of pocket.

Instead, your attorney will take their fee out of the payout that results. And if for some reason your claim doesn’t yield a settlement or favorable verdict, they won’t charge you any fee at all.

In other words, you’ve got nothing to lose by hiring a lawyer to protect your best interests. You could potentially have a lot to gain, though, as your attorney may be able to secure a much larger payout than you could have ever managed on your own. 

Discuss Your Claim with a Car Accident Attorney in Stuart

If you were hurt in a collision through no fault of your own, turn to Donaldson & Weston. We can handle every aspect of your claim so you don’t have to worry about making any mistakes—or falling for any myths—during the proceedings.

Our tireless team has secured more than $100 million on behalf of our valued clients and their families. To schedule your free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Stuart, complete out Contact Form or call 772-266-5555.