When you get hurt, you may hear a lot of conflicting advice, between social media, TV shows, and “a friend who once had a claim.” Unless you consult with a Mobile personal injury claim attorney who understands the law and the claim process, it’s easy to get confused.
People often come to us with misconceptions, so it’s essential to clarify some of the most common personal injury myths.
Myth #1: The Outcome Will Be the Same Whether or Not You Have an Attorney
It might seem simple: file a claim, get a check, move on. But personal injury claims are rarely that straightforward. Without experienced guidance, you may end up accepting a settlement that doesn’t fully reflect the extent of your losses.
A personal injury lawyer who understands how to gather evidence and negotiate effectively can help you protect your interests.
Myth #2: Hiring a Lawyer Is Expensive
Assumptions about the cost of hiring an attorney deter many people from seeking help with their claims.
However, most personal injury attorneys don’t require clients to pay anything up front. They work on a contingency basis, and only get paid a pre-determined percentage of the settlement amount if they recover money for you. In most cases, if no compensation is recovered, clients typically do not owe attorney fees.
Myth #3: Every Personal Injury Case Goes to Court
The majority of personal injury claims settle out of court through negotiation or mediation. Trials are generally the last resort when both parties are unable to reach an agreement.
Attorneys typically seek an injury settlement first, as going to trial can take months (or years). Reaching an agreement early often benefits everyone involved. That said, your lawyer should be prepared to go to court and argue on your behalf.
Myth #4: Minor Injuries Aren’t Worth a Claim
Even injuries that seem minor at first can develop into major problems over time, disrupting your life and ability to work. A slight back strain, whiplash, or concussion may not seem serious at first. Still, lasting pain or complications can result in significant expenses, financial losses, and time away from work, diminishing your quality of life.
Negligence law is designed to provide a legal remedy in these situations. If someone else’s carelessness caused your injury, you may have the right to pursue legal compensation, depending on the circumstances of your injury.
Myth #5: The Insurance Company Will Always Treat You Fairly
Many people assume that insurance companies will act in their best interests, but this is one of the biggest (and most detrimental) personal injury myths.
Insurance companies aim to generate revenue and maximize profits, just like any other business.
In practice, this can mean that they might downplay your injuries, question your medical treatment, or even suggest the accident was partly your fault to reduce their liability. The result can be a denied claim or a settlement offer that isn’t equal to your losses.
Personal injury lawyers understand accident liability and Alabama law and can deal with the insurance company to help ensure that the process is handled appropriately.
Myth #6: You Can File a Claim Anytime
This personal injury myth often catches people off guard. Alabama law typically allows two years from the date of the accident to file personal injury claims. Missing that deadline could mean losing your right to recover compensation entirely.
There are exceptions, but they’re rare. In any case, if you believe you have a case, it may be important to make the claim as soon as possible. Evidence fades, witnesses move away, and memories blur, so acting quickly can help preserve evidence and strengthen your position.
That said, you don’t need to sue immediately. Many claims begin with a demand letter or negotiation phase before a lawsuit is filed. However, it’s worth consulting with an attorney early on to understand your rights and begin building your case. This way, if the insurance company denies the claim or makes a lowball offer, you are ready to go to court if necessary.
Myth #7: You’ll Receive a Substantial Financial Recovery Just Because You Were Hurt
Some personal injury cases result in six- or seven-figure settlements, but not every claim leads to a large payout. The amount of legal compensation may depend on various factors including the severity of your injuries, medical costs and lost wages.
Why You Need To Know the Truth About These Myths
Believing these personal injury myths can affect your ability to secure a fair settlement after an accident. Not only can misinformation about the process and the potential award amount set up unreasonable expectations, but you might take steps that unintentionally weaken your case. For instance, you might accept a low offer, delay action for too long, or fail to document key evidence, all of which can affect your position and the potential outcome of your case.
At Jackson & Foster Law, we’ve seen how confusion can make an already difficult time even harder. Our goal is to help clients in Mobile, AL, understand their rights and make informed decisions about their cases.
Talk to a Mobile, AL, Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident and aren’t sure what to believe, you don’t have to figure it out alone. The team at Jackson & Foster Law can help you cut through the confusion, explain your options, and guide you toward the next steps.
Whether your injuries are due to a car accident, a slip and fall, or you’re dealing with a case of medical negligence, the team will guide you through each stage of the process.
Contact us today at 251-433-6699 to request a confidential consultation about your personal injury claim and learn the truth about common personal injury myths and your rights under Alabama law.
