Top 10 Misconceptions Personal Injury Victims Have About Their Case

San Jose law firm specializing in personal injury law

Our Personal Injury Attorneys Tackle Some Common Misconceptions

Many people who have been injured at work or in a car accident don’t think they need to hire a personal injury lawyer, even when the injury is explicitly not their fault. Victims of accidents often have many misconceptions that stop them from getting the justice they deserve.

  1. Insurance negates the need for an attorney

This is the biggest misconception, and in most cases, insurance companies profit when you don’t hire an attorney. Insurance is just a business, and they look after their own self-interest before yours. You’ll want an experienced car accident attorney on your side to help you get the compensation you deserve.

  1. Attorneys are too expensive

Not if you count the return on investment. Many lawyers work on a contingency basis which allows you to pay fees based on your settlement. The cost of NOT having a lawyer on your side will be far greater in the end.

  1. You feel suing someone is wrong

You have every right to sue someone who has wronged you, and there is no moral high ground in not doing so, especially if the injury is impacting your life in negative ways. The legal system has been created for people like you to get the justice you deserve.

  1. You think you can hire an attorney later

The longer you wait to hire a San Jose attorney, the more harm you do to your claim. Hire an attorney right away so that can build a case to get the compensation you deserve. Legal processes take time, and you don’t want to delay things further by waiting.

When it comes to car accidents, most insurance companies will offer you a settlement right away so you don’t have time to negotiate. This is another great reason to hire a lawyer right away.

  1. You believe only greedy people file personal injury lawsuits

This misconception is spread by insurance companies to make victims feel guilty about money that should be theirs in the first place. Most all of the claims you receive for your case comes out of the insurance companies’ pockets, not the pocket of the person who caused the accident. You are not greedy for asking for your dues, especially when you’re paying high premiums to cover property damage and medical bills incurred from an accident.

  1. My real estate/family lawyer can handle my personal injury case

That’s like saying your family doctor can perform a dental exam at a well check visit. Personal injury attorneys specialize in this field of law so that victims don’t have to go around in circles seeking help. In matters like this, you want a great personal injury attorney on your side.

  1. The case will go on forever

While it’s true that fighting cases take time and effort, hiring the right attorney will save you a lot of headache. They will take care of the most difficult work on your behalf. Moreover, experienced attorneys know how to get the job done in the shortest time possible.

  1. Holding out will get you a bigger settlement

This could possibly be true in some cases, but not many. The right lawyer will be able to negotiate better and give you the best deal possible in a time frame that works for you.

  1. You can handle the case yourself

Personal injury cases are complicated and not something to be taken lightly. Unless you’re an injury attorney yourself, we do not recommend it!

  1. Case has to be settled before getting medical treatment

There is no need for you to wait for the case to end. In fact, it is recommended that you get the treatment beforehand to understand the full scope and extent of your injuries. A medical report can often help a case, especially directly after an auto or bicycle accident, and it’s recommended that you see a medical professional before an attorney. In fact, here is why you should seek medical attention within 72 hours of a car accident.

Our San Jose Personal Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help

If you’re the victim of a car accident or have been hurt on the job, and searching for a San Jose/Bay Area attorney to help with your case, look no further than the Law Office of Farling, Hecht & Davis, LLP. We are a San Jose law firm with a track record of success in personal injury law, workers compensation claims, industrial injuries, business litigation and more. Let us help you get the justice you deserve! Schedule a free consultation by calling (408) 295-6100 or contact us 24/7 through our online contact form here.