Talking with a personal injury lawyer can seem daunting and is often shrouded in a veil of myths and fiction. After being in an accident, you may have a lot of ideas swirling through your mind, and it can be helpful to sort out fiction from fact.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, you may find it helpful to challenge these misconceptions and talk to an experienced Marietta personal injury lawyer.
MYTH: Insurance Will Never Pay
If you have been hearing tales from friends, family, and the media that insurance companies will not pay for costs, it is time to debunk this myth. Insurance companies often will cover the costs of filing a claim. Talk to your lawyer to understand how your policy covers these costs, which may be after a deductible is paid.
MYTH: Insurance Will Only Pay Their Initial Offer
A common insurance practice is to define a first offer as the highest offer. You may hear terms such as, “This is the best and highest offer you will get.”
However, the first offer is typically the lowest amount. Insurance adjusters often test the waters to settle cases before people have a chance to hire a personal injury lawyer. Once an experienced attorney explains what your case is worth, you may find that the conversation is entirely different.
MYTH: Personal Injury Cases Take Forever
While it is essential to look at each case to determine the essential details, the question of time depends on the claim. An experienced lawyer evaluates not only the legal merits of the case but also determines the most direct pathway for resolution.
MYTH: It is Not Worth Filing For Minor Injuries
This myth is important to challenge. Minor bruises, cuts, and contusions can interfere with daily activities, job performance, and quality of life. Medical bills can still stack up, and some injuries may not be immediately obvious.
A recent report confirms that approximately 100 million people in America are saddled with healthcare debt. The investigation report by KHN and NPR notes that 41% of adults are in healthcare debt, which is hidden as credit card balances, family loans, or payment plans to hospitals. If you have gone to a hospital, seen a doctor, or gotten medical treatment for injuries related to an incident, you may want to discuss options with your attorney.
MYTH: Filing Against Family is Never Smart
Filing a claim against family members is complex and often highly emotionally charged. It can be challenging to navigate this without an objective third party.
An experienced personal injury lawyer may also be aware of available legal avenues. Rather than relying on an individual payer, the insurance company responsible may be paying the settlement.
MYTH: Filing Can Happen Later
Georgia operates with laws that define the amount of time individuals have to file a lawsuit. According to Georgia Code § 9-3-33 (2022) In personal injury cases, this is typically two years from the date of the accident. There are some exceptions, so it is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer to evaluate your case.
Challenge Myths and Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
Some of the most common injuries in Georgia include car accidents, dog bites, and truck accidents. If you have been involved in an accident, talking to a personal injury lawyer may be the first step in sorting out fact and fiction.