Personal injury cases are some of the most common here in the United States. From car accidents to dog bite injuries and injuries sustained after a slip and fall, personal injury cases are filed every single day. Even though this branch of law encompasses so many different cases, personal injury law is often misunderstood. In order to ensure our clients and the general public have a full understanding of personal injury law, we thought it would be helpful to dispel some of the top myths surrounding it. A great majority of U.S. citizens will require the assistance of a personal injury lawyer at one point throughout their lives, which is why it is important to put some of the most common misunderstandings to bed. A successful personal injury claim will ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation (and justice) deserved for the injuries you sustained. While many people shy away from filing personal injury claims because of the stigma that surrounds this branch of law, it can truly be a lifesaver.
Let’s now look at five common myths about personal injury law. We hope that addressing some of the common misconceptions surrounding personal injury law, you will feel more confident about your rights and how you should proceed in the event you require the legal expertise of a Rio Grande Valley personal injury lawyer.
Myth #1: Personal injury lawsuits are “easy money”
One of the most common misconceptions about personal injury lawsuits is that are a quick and easy payday. This actually couldn’t be further from the truth. Many individuals who choose to file a personal injury claim have suffered life-changing, severe injuries. Personal injury plaintiffs are often victims of crimes and accidents that result in loss of wages, the inability to work, and years of recovery. Personal injury lawsuits should not be taken lightly and certainly don’t represent a fast way to get a paycheck.
Myth #2: Personal injury lawyers are unethical ambulance chasers
Personal injury lawyers are often portrayed as “ambulance chasers”, or lawyers who unethically run after ambulances with the intention of taking advantage of those who have sustained injuries. People think the only intention of personal injury lawyers is to make money off of another person’s misfortune. This is not the case. Well-respected personal injury lawyers help people in need take legal action against individuals and corporations who have caused them harm. They want to help people obtain justice and fair compensation for their losses, it’s as simple as that.
Myth #3: Personal injury lawsuits can be filed anytime, anywhere
Another misconception about personal injury lawsuits is that they can be filed any time after an accident. This is not true. There are statute of limitations in place that govern when and how a personal injury case must be filed, as well as state laws outlining how long an individual has to make a claim. In the state of Texas, the majority of personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the date of the incident.
Myth #4: Personal injury cases are long and grueling
Because there are so many different types of cases that fall under personal injury, it is simply wrong to say they all take a long time. An experienced Rio Grande Valley personal injury lawyer will do everything in his or her power to ensure a case is resolved as soon as possible, and in your favor. Sure, some cases do take a long time to reach a resolution, but this is certainly not the norm.
Myth #5: If your injuries are minor, you do not need to hire a personal injury lawyer
Another misconception about personal injury lawsuits is that they should only be pursued if the victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes a person can make is deciding against filing a personal injury claim because they feel their injuries are unworthy of a lawsuit. However, individuals who have suffered minor injuries are often the ones who deserve more attention and the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
If you have any questions about the personal injury myths above or would like to discuss your case with a Rio Grande Valley personal injury attorney, please contact Green Law Firm today.
