If there is a personal injury claim you would like to pursue, you should be careful not to believe on the numerous personal injury myths floating around. Here are some classic examples of these myths:
Litigation Results in Big Awards
Some people believe that going to trial automatically results in a bigger settlement, but this isn't necessarily true. This is because when you go to trial it is the judge or the jury who decides how much you deserve, and they don't always give huge settlements. Besides, even if you get a big settlement in court, the high cost of the trial may reduce it considerably.
You Don't Need a Lawyer If You Have Insurance
Your insurance company may pay for some of your damages, but there is no guarantee that they will pay all of them. The insurance company may have a different view (from you) on how much you lost due to the injury, and getting a lawyer may be the only way to convince them that you deserve as much as you are asking.
You Don't Need a Lawyer for Minor Injuries
There is also a prevailing belief that minor injuries don't require a lawyer's involvement. This is based on the false belief that damages stemming from such injuries are low. Unfortunately, your damages are not limited to your medical bills or actual physical injury. You also deserve to be compensated for lost wages, the effect on future earnings, emotional injuries, and physical damages. All these can add up to serious money. Don't forget that the insurance company or defendant may also try to pay you off with a little money if they think your injuries are minor. Getting a lawyer involved in the process is the only way to convince them otherwise.
Personal Injury Claims are Easy Money
Reports of millions of dollars being awarded in injury cases make some people think that personal injury claims are easy money. Unfortunately, this is erroneous because only the huge cases grab the headlines. In fact, most awards and settlements range from $3,000 to $75,000, and you don't get all of it because you have to pay legal fees and trial expenses (which is why there are so many out-of-court settlements). At the same time, you have to work hard for it by presenting witnesses, evidence and even expert testimony; there is nothing easy about it at all.
As you can see, numerous myths abound, and they can easily derail your quest for compensation if you aren't careful. The only person whose words you should believe is a personal injury lawyer.
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