The law can be complicated and hard to understand. Many of us don’t know much about the rules controlling how our society works. This is why we have lawyers. They help and speak for us when it comes to the legal process.
People often get confused about personal injury law. They have ideas about how personal injury lawsuits work, but often these ideas come from movies or TV shows. Sadly, a lot of what they think is not completely right.
This blog will talk about the usual wrong thoughts people have about personal injury law.
Myth #1: Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Costs a Lot
This prevalent misconception often discourages individuals who have suffered injuries from seeking legal representation. The idea that hiring a personal injury lawyer comes with high costs is a concern that can deter those needing assistance from pursuing the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve. However, the reality is quite different from this myth.
In personal injury cases, most lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not need to pay your lawyer any upfront fees or retainer costs. This payment structure allows individuals facing financial constraints due to their injuries to access legal help without adding additional financial burden.
In a contingency fee arrangement, your lawyer’s compensation is contingent upon the successful outcome of your case. They only get paid if they manage to secure your compensation through a settlement or court judgment. This setup aligns the lawyer’s interests with yours, as they are motivated to work diligently and effectively to ensure a favourable resolution for your case. If they cannot secure compensation for you, they do not receive any payment for their services. This approach makes legal representation more affordable and ensures that your lawyer is fully invested in achieving the best possible outcome for you.
Moreover, initial consultations with personal injury lawyers are often offered free. This means you can discuss the details of your case, learn about your legal options, and get valuable advice without incurring any cost. This is a critical opportunity for individuals to understand the merits of their case and make informed decisions without any financial commitment.
It’s important to note that personal injury lawyers have a vested interest in helping their clients succeed, as their compensation is directly tied to their clients’ compensation. Therefore, the fear of high costs should not hold you back when seeking legal representation after an injury. Instead, focus on finding a personal injury lawyer who will accompany you through the complex legal process without adding financial stress to your already challenging situation.
Myth #2: Minor Injuries Don’t Need Claims
Some people think asking for money is unimportant if they get a small injury. But that’s not true at all.
First, even a small accident could cause big injuries. That’s why seeing a doctor is important, even if you don’t feel hurt. Sometimes, there could be a serious problem you don’t know about. For instance, you can get involved in a minor accident and get small bruises. You can call car accident lawyers to solve the issue and get what you deserve.
Second, if you get a small injury, you could still hurt and spend a lot on doctor visits. A personal injury claim is a way to ask for money to help pay for the costs caused by someone else’s careless actions.
For example, if you hurt your neck a little (like whiplash), you would need treatment like special exercises or chiropractor visits. These treatments cost money. If you don’t have health insurance or it doesn’t cover accidents, you would have to pay for these treatments yourself. This is when asking for money through a claim can be helpful.
Just because you have a small injury or were in a small accident doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying to get money.
Myth #3: All Personal Injury Cases Go to Court
People would not want to ask for money after an accident because they think they must talk in court. But that’s not always true.
Most times, accidents that hurt people get fixed without going to court. They often make agreements, called settlements, outside of court. This means you probably won’t have to talk in front of a judge and jury.
Even if they start a court case, it usually doesn’t finish in court. This is because it’s expensive for the insurance company to go to court. They usually offer more money to settle the case before it gets to that point. You and your lawyer can check if this offer is good for you.
Starting a court case doesn’t mean they stop talking about settlements. A lot of times, lawyers try to talk to the insurance company first to settle things. They only go to court if they can’t agree. But they keep trying to get a good deal for the hurt person.
Myth #4: Personal Injury Claim Can Be Filed Anytime
Some folks think they can wait forever to sue if they get hurt. They would believe that even if an accident happened years ago, they could still go to court if they start having problems now. But this is not true and can make it hard to get money for your troubles.
In Canada, you only have two years to sue for an injury after the accident. If you wait more than two years, you can’t sue anymore.
Even though two years could sound like a lot, you must remember that legal stuff takes time. Your lawyer must look into your situation, find proof for your case, and make it strong to win money. Talking to the other side’s insurance company and reaching a fair deal can take a long time. They usually don’t offer a lot of money right away. Thus, it’s important to act within those two years if you want to have a chance to get compensation.
Myth #5: Since the Insurance Company Won’t Increase Their First Offer, There Would Seem to Be No Reason to Hire a Lawyer
Sometimes, the people working for the insurance company tell those who got hurt that their first offer is the most they’ll ever get. These people do their checks to decide how much your injuries are worth. But actually, the first offer is usually just a small part of what the insurance company thinks your case is worth. They use this small offer to see if you’ll take it.
They could say it’s the best they can do because they want you to say yes quickly. They hope you’ll accept this small amount so they can finish the case quickly. This way, talk to a personal injury lawyer who can tell you what your case is worth.
They can change how they act if you say no to their first offer. They could try to slow things down, say no, or find reasons not to give you more. This can make it hard for you to get the money you deserve. However, you may be sure that you’ll get a just settlement for your injuries if you work with personal injury attorneys.
Why Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer?
You will need a personal injury lawyer for several important reasons. Firstly, navigating the legal complexities of personal injury cases can be overwhelming and challenging, especially if you’re dealing with physical, emotional, and financial stress due to an accident or injury.
A personal injury lawyer has the expertise to guide you through the legal process. They are well-knowledgeable about the laws and regulations related to personal injury cases. These cases can vary depending on your location and the circumstances of your situation. Thus, ensuring that your rights are protected, and you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies or other parties involved.
Additionally, personal injury lawyers can help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and assess the true value of your damages. They have experience negotiating with insurance companies and other legal representatives to ensure you receive fair and just compensation. These can include your medical expenses (for suffered injuries), lost wages (for work), pain and suffering, and other related costs.
Furthermore, personal injury lawyers are skilled in courtroom procedures. If your case needs to go to trial, having a lawyer on your side who knows how to present your case effectively can greatly improve your chances of a successful outcome.
File A Personal Injury Claim in Edmonton
Many people could have wrong ideas about personal injury cases. If you got hurt because of someone else and want to know the real deal about how to ask for money, get in touch with our experienced lawyers now. As you look for a “personal injury lawyer near me,” we at Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Edmonton are the perfect choice. Chat with us about your situation for free and figure out what you can do legally. Contact us today.
