Many people who are in a car accident have never had to hire or deal with a lawyer. Because of this, it can be intimidating to begin the process. Below are some common myths and fears about hiring a personal injury attorney and the truth behind them.
1. “Insurance companies will treat me fairly because it’s the right thing to do”
This isn’t necessarily a myth, but I can assure you that “fairness” isn’t in their equation. Insurance companies are in the business to make money. They train their adjusters to become professional negotiators that know how to trick you into giving them reasons to diminish or deny your claim.
By using delay, recorded statements, and giving a false sense of security, insurance companies will make you think you don’t need to hire an attorney after your car accident. A study done by the Insurance Research Council in 2004, found that those represented by an attorney received 3.5x more, even after attorney’s fees were paid.
2. “I need to hire a big law firm because my case is big.”
While it’s true you need a law firm with experience and financial strength to effectively prosecute your case, it doesn’t have to be from one of the big billboard firms. There are many smaller “boutique” firms that are just as capable, if not more, than the firms you see on billboards and commercials.
A big advantage to the smaller car accident law firms is that you will have an attorney personally dedicated to your case who only focuses on injury cases. Hiring someone who handles many different areas of law is one mistake people make when looking for a personal injury attorney. Personal injury law is much more complicated than people think. Figuring out liability and calculating damages based on the facts and circumstances of a given car crash injury can be extremely complex.
3. “People who sue are just taking advantage of the situation and I’m not like that.”
Of course you aren’t! And neither are the people who we represent. Our clients have come from all walks of life, including retired military, accountants, single mothers, real estate agents, bankers, children, doctors, auto mechanics, landscapers, and more. These are good, hard-working people, who suffered serious injuries through no fault of their own. Are these people supposed to just “let it go”? It wasn’t their fault they were slammed into the back while parked and suffered injuries, their car was messed up, and they missed time from work.
We get the stigma. Bad apples ruin things for the whole bunch. But it doesn’t mean that if you’re injured by the fault of another you’re supposed to deal with the consequences on your own—financial, physical, and others as well. Accidents happen. And that’s why every state requires you to carry at least a minimum level of insurance. Following up on an injury claim because someone hurt you doesn’t make you a bad person.
In most cases we don’t have to actually sue anyone. Many times car accident injury claims are settled with the insurance company before a lawsuit is ever filed.
Don’t be afraid to contact us to ask questions. We are here to help evaluate your car accident injury claim at no cost to you. We don’t get paid unless you win!
Call us today for a free case evaluation at (916) 619-5452, fill out our form online, or email us at info@hanecaklaw.com.
