Every decision made following an accident has the ability to greatly impact either your physical or financial wellbeing. Where you take your car for repair, your interaction with other involved parties, conversations with insurance companies, and even your decision to see a doctor will all play a role in the ultimate outcome of the situation. If you have been injured as a result of the accident, the process becomes even more complex. With so many uncertainties and questions surrounding the incident, it seems logical that involving a knowledgeable third party for assistance would be greatly beneficial. Yet, many hesitate when it comes to hiring a personal injury attorney to represent their case.
For years, there have been many misconceptions surrounding personal injury attorneys and the use of their services to reach a settlement. Many point to what they see as a growing trend of frivolous lawsuits that only serve to harm our economy and legal system. In reality, most personal injury lawsuits are legitimate and involve victims who have suffered severe injury and consequence due to the negligence of another. Others may simply have a misunderstanding of the process and cost involved in hiring an attorney. In the end, it is typically a lack of facts and understanding that leads to these false impressions. Here are a few of the more common myths surrounding personal injury law:
- Personal Injury Claims are Frivolous – As previously stated, frivolous lawsuits are actually few and far between. It is the right of an injured victim to seek justice for the pain and financial and emotional toll another’s actions have had on them. Many of these victims may endure a lifetime of suffering, often because they were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. In instances where cases are frivolous or without merit, they are typically dismissed and serious consequences may occur for the filing attorney.
- Personal Injury Attorneys are Expensive – Attorneys of all kinds seem to have a reputation of being expensive and charging high rates for everything from client meetings to correspondence. However, a qualified personal injury attorney does not charge hourly rates. In fact, they don’t make a dime until they have secured a fair settlement for their client. In most cases, 1/3 of the final settlement amount is used to cover all of the case’s associated legal fees. Furthermore, those who use a personal injury attorney will receive a settlement that is 2.5 times greater on average than those who do not.
- The Process is too Time Consuming – While it may take more time to pursue a personal injury claim than to accept an insurance company’s first settlement offer, it is often in the best interest of the victim to use an attorney. Insurance companies will settle your claim for as little as possible, and the amount offered is rarely enough to fully cover the financial, physical, and emotional damages. Additionally, using a skilled personal injury attorney, takes the confusing and frustrating claims process out of your hands and allows knowledgeable professionals to do the work on your behalf.
These are just a few of the more common misconceptions surrounding personal injury attorneys and lawsuits. If you have been injured and are considering hiring an attorney, you may have experienced some of these same concerns. To better understand the role of a personal injury attorney and to ease any other anxieties you may have regarding your case, download a free copy of our guide, “7 Myths About Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney.” You can also reach out to our attorneys directly for a free evaluation of your case. Simply click here to submit a request form, or call us directly at (225) 387-2323.
