You’ll have to make many important decisions in the days and weeks after your car accident. Making good decisions seems easy, but a decision is only as good as the information that supports it. Unfortunately, a lot of people spread misinformation about car accidents.
This article dispels misinformation about car accidents to help you make good decisions after your crash. Read on to learn the truth about seven common car accident myths and why you may need to hire a car accident attorney.
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Myth #1: I Don’t Need a Lawyer for a Minor Accident.
Reality: Minor Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries.
An accident that causes minor damage to your car can cause major damage to your body. Even “minor” accidents can cause serious injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, or even internal bleeding. Swelling, adrenaline, and other factors can hide these injuries for days or weeks. Because even a simple accident can cause complicated injuries, you should see your doctor immediately after a car accident, even if you think you’re okay.
And a doctor isn’t the only professional you’ll need after an accident. After a car accident, medical bills, lost wages, and car repairs can add up quickly. An experienced Birmingham car accident attorney can help make sure that you get fair compensation for your current and future financial losses.
Myth #2: Insurance Companies Are Here to Help.
Reality: The Insurance Company Is Not Your Friend.
Insurance companies would quickly be out of business if they paid every claim. So, while a fair payment is in your best interest, it’s in the insurance company’s best interest to pay as little as possible. That’s why insurers work hard to deny claims or minimize the amount that they pay.
Remember: the insurance company is not your friend. Luckily, an experienced Alabama car accident attorney can help you deal with insurance company shenanigans.
Myth #3: I Can’t Get Damages Because I Was Partly Responsible for the Accident.
Reality: This Isn’t Always the Case.
In car accident cases, most states use some form of the comparative fault rule. This rule allows people to get compensation for their injuries even if they were up to 50% responsible for causing the accident. However, Alabama follows a harsh rule called contributory negligence. Under contributory negligence, a person who is even one percent at fault cannot recover.
But don’t lose hope. Nearly every legal rule has an exception, and there are several exceptions to the contributory negligence rule. A qualified Alabama personal injury lawyer can tell you if any exceptions apply to your case.
Myth #4: You Can’t Get Damages from an Uninsured Driver
Reality: Recovery May Still Be a Possibility.
Insurance plays a huge role in car accident claims, so of course, it’s better if the other driver is insured. But even if they aren’t, you may still be able to recover damages. It all depends on your insurance coverage. If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, it can cover your losses after an accident with an uninsured driver.
Myth #5: There’s No Big Rush to File a Claim
Reality: You Need To Act Quickly.
Every state has a deadline for filing legal claims called a statute of limitations. In Alabama, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is two years. However, you should talk to an attorney immediately. Over time, evidence can be lost, witnesses can forget, and many other things can happen that can hurt your case. Also, certain cases, such as wrongful death claims and cases involving the government, have special deadlines that are far earlier than two years.
Bottom line: Don’t wait to talk to a Birmingham accident attorney.
Myth #6: Every Car Accident Case Ends Up in Court
Reality: Very Few Cases Go to Court.
Television legal dramas always show lawyers preparing for court, arguing in court, or waiting for something to happen in court. But in reality, over 90% of personal injury cases end without anyone ever setting foot in a courtroom. Most car accident cases end with a settlement. So, if you’re worried about going to court, just know there’s a good chance your case won’t go to trial.
Myth #7: Hiring a Car Accident Attorney Is Expensive
Reality: Hiring an Accident Attorney Is More Affordable than You Think
It’s normal to wonder if you can afford legal help after an accident. But the good news is that most Alabama personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. In a contingent fee agreement, the lawyer agrees to take a small portion (usually 30-35%) of whatever you recover in the case. If you win nothing, the lawyer takes nothing. Contingent fee agreements make hiring a Birmingham injury attorney quite affordable and give attorneys a big incentive to work hard on your behalf.
More Questions About Alabama Car Accidents?
We hope this article gives you a better understanding of the realities of car accident claims. But you may have more questions. If you do, please don’t hesitate to contact Collins Law, LLC. Our dedicated car accident attorney will go the extra mile to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, we can handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on your recovery. To learn how our team can help you, use our website’s online scheduling tool or call 205-588-1411 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.