Unless you're a personal injury attorney in New Jersey or have previously dealt with personal injury claims, you have probably encountered wrong information about these cases. Such misinformation is often spread by people who don't understand this process. Unfortunately, this has led many people not to seek help or take the right steps. Discussed below are common personal injury myths you shouldn't believe.
You Don't Need to Hire a Lawyer in a Personal Injury Case
It's wise to hire a lawyer when pursuing a personal injury case. As Hackensack personal injury lawyers tell us, attorneys are your best chance to secure maximum compensation. Lawyers ensure you don't miss any deadlines and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. Often, insurance companies offer victims lowball settlements. Lawyers won't accept anything less than what you deserve. Therefore, while it's not a must to work with an attorney, hiring one is in your best interest.
Lawyers Will Leave You Worse Off
While it's true there are legal fees to be paid, working with a lawyer won't leave you worse off. For starters, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means you only pay them after a successful case. Secondly, lawyers take a reasonable percentage of your settlement. And considering that with a lawyer, you're likely to get a bigger settlement than without one, you will still get enough cash to get back on your feet.
You Can File Your Claim With Any Attorney
Again, this is simply not true. Lawyers aren't the same. Just because someone practices law doesn't mean they can handle personal injury cases. When looking for a lawyer, find one specializing in personal injury cases. This increases your chances of getting a fair settlement. Also, don't just pick any lawyer. It's important to find a good personal injury attorney with years of experience and a track record of success.
You Have Unlimited Time To File a Claim
You don't have unlimited time to file a claim after an accident. In fact, the sooner you file it, the better. Each state has a specific period when victims can file lawsuits after accidents. It's called a statute of limitations. In New Jersey, you have two years after an injury occurs to file a lawsuit. If you don't file within the required period, the court system won't hear your case, and you will lose your right to compensation.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit Is Selfish and Frivolous
Filing a personal injury lawsuit isn't selfish. A settlement is often called compensation because you're getting compensated for the damages you have suffered. Remember that filing a claim allows you to pay for medical bills. Considering that the cost of medical care in the U.S. has been rising, even a minor injury can inconvenience your financial plans. Personal injuries deprive victims of their ability to work, enjoy hobbies, and do other activities. The settlement is simply a way to ensure you get compensated for all this.
You Don't Need To Talk to a Lawyer if Your Injuries Are Minor
You don't have to be wounded catastrophically to demand fair compensation. Also, certain injuries that you may assume are minor may end up being more severe than you think. For instance, whiplash can cause headaches and chronic neck pain, leading to significant suffering. In these cases, it's always better to play safe and talk to a professional than ignore and regret it later. Consult with an attorney to know your options and rights.
These are some of the common myths about personal injury cases. Talk to an attorney rather than people who don't have experience in these matters to be on the safe side.
