If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you’ve probably heard a lot of conflicting information. Myths about car accident injury claims are everywhere. And for victims, these falsehoods can end up costing them thousands of dollars in compensation they deserve.
It’s time to set the record straight.
Myths & misinformation will lead to bad decisions. Bad decisions can severely damage your car accident injury claim. You can’t afford to make mistakes when it comes to your health and financial recovery.
The truth? You can protect yourself and fight for maximum compensation when you understand what’s really going on. Let’s bust some myths wide open…
What you’re about to discover: Top Car Accident Injury Claims Myths Busted
- Minor accidents don’t warrant compensation.
- It doesn’t matter when you file your claim.
- Insurance companies will always have your best interest in mind.
- You don’t need a lawyer for simple cases.
- If you’re partially at fault, you deserve nothing.
- The police report determines the outcome of your case.
- You must feel pain right away to have a valid injury claim.
- Every car accident case ends up in court.
- Car accident claims have a 1-year statute of limitations.
- Older people are more likely to get a settlement.
Myth #1: Minor injuries don’t warrant compensation.
One of the most pervasive and damaging myths about car accident injury claims.
The thinking goes that if someone only has soft tissue injuries, like whiplash, they aren’t entitled to file a claim. It’s simply not true.
Minor injuries from a crash can cause severe pain and lifelong damage. They often require medical treatment and physical therapy.
Talking with experienced car injury attorneys at the beginning of the process is critical. Victims get a much better understanding of what their injury claim is actually worth.
Far too many accident victims walk away from thousands of dollars because they fail to recognize the severity of their injuries.
What most people don’t realize:
Minor car accident injuries can lead to chronic conditions later down the road.
Back pain, stiff neck, and headaches may seem like no big deal after an accident. But a few weeks later? They can seriously impede your ability to work and enjoy life.
The financial impact can also be significant. Medical bills, physical therapy, and lost wages don’t care whether your injuries seem “serious” to other people.
Myth #2: You can file your injury claim whenever you want.
WRONG. Every state has strict time limits known as statutes of limitations.
If you miss that deadline, your case gets thrown out. End of story. Doesn’t matter how much evidence you have or how badly you were hurt.
State laws vary but statutes of limitations for personal injury cases typically range from 1 to 4 years. That seems like a long time, but evidence disappears fast. Witnesses forget details. Medical records become difficult to obtain.
The smart move? File your claim as quickly as possible after your accident. Give yourself the best chance to build a strong case.
Myth #3: Insurance companies always have your back.
One of the most dangerous myths of all…
Insurance adjusters seem friendly. They’ll call you and check in. They seem eager to handle everything. But here’s the truth of what they’re doing…
They’re looking for any way they can to pay you out as little as possible.
Their job is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line. Not yours. That offer letter they’re so excited to present to you? It’s almost always way lower than what your claim is actually worth.
According to recent research, those who held out saw settlements that averaged $30,700 more than those who took the first offer. That’s a huge difference.
Myth #4: You don’t need a lawyer for simple cases.
Plenty of people think they can handle everything on their own.
They assume insurance companies will be fair and just. They think the paperwork involved is straightforward. And they believe hiring an attorney is too expensive.
Reality is this:
Statistics show that 91% of claimants with attorneys receive settlement payouts. Compare that to just 51% who try to navigate the system alone. The numbers speak for themselves.
The cost concern? Most car accident attorneys work on contingency. That means no up-front fees. They only get paid if you win your case.
Myth #5: If you’re partially at fault, you deserve nothing.
Myth #5 completely stops victims from filing legitimate claims.
Remember, most states follow comparative negligence rules. This means you can still receive compensation even if you are partially to blame.
Say, for instance, that you were found to be 20% at fault. You would still be entitled to 80% of your damages. That could be tens of thousands of dollars you would otherwise lose.
The percentage of fault matters but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from recovering.
Myth #6: The police report determines everything.
Police reports are important. But they are far from the only determining factor.
Officers show up after the fact. They are tasked with piecing together what happened based on statements and evidence at the scene. Sometimes they get it wrong.
The true determiners of your case include:
- Medical documentation of your injuries
- Witness statements and testimony
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Expert analysis and reconstruction
- Your own detailed personal records
A police report is a piece of evidence. It is not the final word.
Myth #7: You must feel pain immediately to have a valid injury claim.
Not true. Some injuries take days or weeks to present symptoms.
Remember adrenaline? It often masks pain immediately after an accident. Internal injuries can take time to develop. Soft tissue damage can take days to appear.
Critical point:
You should always get medical attention immediately after a crash, even if you feel okay. This helps with your health and also creates the documentation that links your injuries to the accident.
Waiting too long gives insurance companies fodder to argue your injuries must have come from some other cause.
Myth #8: Every car accident case ends up in court.
FALSE. In fact, the majority of claims do NOT end up in court.
Most car accident injury claims are settled through negotiations well before they ever reach a courtroom. Trials are incredibly expensive and time-consuming for everyone involved.
Insurance companies often prefer settling a claim. It’s faster and more predictable.
That said, having an attorney who is willing to go to trial when necessary can give you a lot of leverage. Insurance companies know when they’re dealing with someone who won’t back down.
Myth #9: Car accident injury claims have a 1-year statute of limitations.
Another common statute of limitations myth…
Personal injury cases almost never have a 1-year statute of limitations. State laws vary, but the typical range is 1 to 4 years.
A 1-year statute of limitations for car accident injury claims is exceedingly rare.
Myth #10: Older people are more likely to get a settlement.
Older people often do have an advantage when it comes to settling car accident injury claims.
Insurance companies understand that the ability to return to work and “medical improvement” are less likely the older an injury victim is.
But just because seniors may have an edge doesn’t mean younger people can’t or don’t recover settlements.
The Bottom Line
The truth is car accident injury claims are much more complicated than the average person realizes. What you don’t know can and will hurt you. Insurance companies rely on victims being uninformed and overwhelmed.
Knowledge is your best defense.
Educate yourself on your rights. Document everything. Don’t accept low-ball offers. And seriously consider hiring professional legal help.
The decisions you make in the days and weeks after an accident will affect your recovery for years to come. Make those decisions wisely.
Leave a Reply