Let's talk about some myths surrounding personal injury law.
1. Personal injury lawyers are expensive to hire.
Many people assume that, in addition to a sizable fee, hiring an attorney will cost hundreds of dollars per hour. Not always the case with regard to personal injury law. Typically hiring a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer involves a contingency fee agreement. The phrase "No Win, No Fee" means your lawyer's costs and fees will be subtracted from the settlement they secure for you. It takes away the uncertainty of fluctuating hourly rates and guarantees that you and your attorneys will work together to maximize compensation.
2. Since you have insurance, you do not require legal counsel.
Any insurance company's main goal is to settle the claim for the least amount feasible, regardless of your coverage or the treatment you need. Personal injury lawyers are knowledgeable about the tactics used by insurance providers and know how to establish a strong case on your behalf. You won't be able to independently evaluate your claim and engage in aggressive negotiation with the insurer unless you have a thorough understanding of the law and insurance procedures.
3. It will take years to conclude a personal injury case.
The majority of people believe that the complexity of your claim will determine how long the litigation will last. Most personal injury cases are resolved outside of court, avoiding all drawn-out trials. Remember that the defendants and insurance companies have just as much incentive to settle the case quickly as you do.
4. You have plenty of time to hire a personal injury attorney.
In a personal injury claim, time is of the essence, and the longer you wait to consult with a personal injury attorney, the lower your chances of success may be. It gets more difficult for your attorneys as time goes on to:
- Show an injury
- Find evidence
- Gather evidence and find the defendants
Furthermore, certain statutes set deadlines for submitting a personal injury claim. For instance, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in California is two years.
5. You are sure to get paid.
NO! The outcome of a personal injury claim is never guaranteed; if someone promises you a "guaranteed" sum of money or a certain length of time, you should seek out a second opinion.
