Many victims fall into common misconceptions about car accident claims, beliefs that can end up costing them money, time, and even their rightful compensation.
The reality is that the legal and insurance processes surrounding car accidents are not as straightforward as they might seem.
Fault isn’t always easy to prove, insurance companies don’t always act in your best interest, and small mistakes can have long-term consequences if you fail to get help from a car accident lawyer.
Let’s break down five of these myths one by one, so you don’t make the same mistakes.
Myth 1: I Don’t Need to Collect Evidence at the Scene If I’m Not at Fault
A lot of accident victims think that if they weren’t responsible for the crash, they don’t need to worry about gathering evidence. They assume that the other driver’s fault is obvious and that the insurance companies will handle everything fairly. Unfortunately, that’s not how things work.
Even when the accident seems straightforward, disputes can arise later. The other driver might change their story, deny responsibility, or try to shift the blame onto you. Insurance companies might argue about the severity of your injuries or the damage to your car.
Without solid evidence, you could find yourself in a situation where it’s your word against the other driver’s and there’s no guarantee that things would turn out in your favor then.
Myth 2: I Don’t Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Offers a Settlement
Insurance companies are businesses, and their main goal is to pay out as little as possible. Many accident victims believe that accepting the initial offer from the insurance company is the easiest and quickest way to move on. They think that involving a lawyer will just complicate things. But in reality, having legal representation can actually help you get a much larger sum.
If necessary, they can take your case to court. Without legal representation, you’re at a much higher risk of accepting an undervalued offer that won’t cover all your expenses.
Myth 3: The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Will Cover All My Expenses
It’s easy to assume that if someone else caused the accident, their insurance will take care of all your costs. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Insurance policies have coverage limits. If your medical bills and property damage exceed those limits, you could be left with unpaid expenses. Additionally, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may have trouble recovering the full amount you need.
This is where knowing your own insurance coverage becomes important. Many drivers have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as part of their policy, which can help cover your costs if the other driver’s insurance falls short.
A lawyer can help you explore all possible compensation avenues so you’re not left struggling with expenses.
Myth 4: I Can Handle the Claim on My Own, It’s Just a Simple Process
Filing a car accident claim may seem straightforward, but the reality is often much more complicated. There are strict deadlines, legal requirements, and numerous steps that need to be taken to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Insurance adjusters know how to navigate the system, and their job is to minimize payouts. If you don’t have legal experience, you might unknowingly say something that weakens your case, accept a settlement that’s too low, or miss critical deadlines that could invalidate your claim.
A lawyer can handle everything for you, from gathering evidence and dealing with insurance companies to making sure you don’t make any mistakes that could hurt your case.
Myth 5: I Can Post About My Accident on Social Media Without Consequences
Many accident victims post about their crash, injuries, or recovery without thinking twice. But what they don’t realize is that insurance companies and defense attorneys often monitor social media accounts, looking for anything they can use to undermine a claim.
Even something as innocent as posting a picture of yourself smiling at a family event could be twisted to suggest your pain and suffering aren’t as severe as stated in your claim.
To protect your case, it’s best to avoid posting anything related to your accident, injuries, or recovery on social media. If you’re unsure, speak to a lawyer who can guide you on what’s safe to share and what to avoid.