Top 5 Myths about Car Accidents & Car Accident Claims
When it comes to car accidents and car accident claims, there are many common myths. As car accident attorneys, we see how these myths hurt people and make it more difficult for them to get maximum compensation for their injuries. In this article we’ll take a look at the top 5 myths about motor vehicle accidents and car crash claims that need to be dispelled.
Top 5 Myths about Car Accidents & Car Accident Claims
Myth 1: I don’t need to stop and exchange information for a very minor accident.
Truth: In Washington State, it is against the law to leave the scene of an accident you were involved in if anyone was injured or there is damage to the vehicles. You must stop and exchange information with the other driver so an insurance claim can be made later. It is also simply the right thing to do to stop and make sure the other driver and their passengers are okay and call for medical attention if needed before leaving the scene.
Myth 2: I feel fine so there is no reason to see a doctor.
Truth: Soft tissue injuries are one of the most common injuries associated with collisions and they often take time to show up. If you’re stiff after an accident, there’s a chance that it could develop into a chronic condition without treatment. Also, it is really impossible to know if you have a back or brain injury or a broken bone without an assessment by a medical doctor and diagnostic testing. The best thing to do is seek a medical examination after being in a car accident. It’s important to understand that if you don’t visit a doctor and get a diagnosis and medical treatment for your injuries, you won’t be able to receive compensation for them later.
Myth 3: You will automatically receive compensation if you are injured in a car accident.
Truth: In order to receive compensation from a car accident, you must file an injury claim. In addition, insurance companies are in business to make money and insurance adjusters are trained to give the impression that they want to give fair compensation when the reality is usually the opposite. You will need to negotiate to get any settlement at all and in many cases, it will be necessary to hire a car accident lawyer to fight for the settlement you deserve.
Myth 4: It doesn’t matter which car accident attorney I hire.
Truth: Like with any profession, there are great lawyers and there are ineffective lawyers. For one thing, an attorney with years of experience handling injury cases is more likely to be able to fight back against insurance company tactics to deny fair compensation. They should also have a proven record of success trying cases in court as well as negotiating settlements. Finally, they should have experience with cases like yours. Maybe you were hit by a semi-truck or were a cyclist hit by an SUV; you will want to find a lawyer who has handled accident cases like the one you were in.
Myth 5: If you don’t file an injury claim right away, it’s too late.
While injury claims do come with a statute of limitations – a limited time frame to bring an injury claim- it is intentionally fairly long to allow time for victims to seek compensation for their injuries. In Washington State, most personal injury claims come with a three-year statute of limitations. You should, however, contact an attorney as early in the timeframe as possible.
Seek the help of a car accident attorney
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
