If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are weighing your options for pursuing a personal
injury claim, myths and misconceptions can make it challenging to make informed decisions
about what’s best for you. Talking to a personal injury lawyer about your unique circumstances is
the best way to clear up confusion and get personalized advice, but having a basic
understanding of the process can also be helpful.
Consider the following common myths about personal injury claims before making any final
decisions about pursuing compensation.
Myth 1: You Can File a Claim at Any Time After an Accident
You may think you have plenty of time to mull over what steps you should take after a car
accident, but the truth is that waiting too long could cause you to lose your chance to pursue
compensation. Texas has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which means there is
a deadline for filing a legal claim. The statute of limitations for car accidents is typically two years
from the date of the accident, but there are some exceptions to this rule. Essentially, it is better to
take action as soon as possible to ensure you don’t lose your chance.
Myth 2: Accepting the Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer is Always a Good Idea
One of the most important things to remember when pursuing a settlement is that the insurance
company is not on your side. The company’s priority is its bottom line, which means paying out
as little as possible in claims. Initial settlement offers from insurers are often too low to
compensate accident victims for the full range of damages they’ve suffered. After negotiation,
insurance companies may provide a fair offer, but this is a process that is best handled by an
attorney with experience and skill in car accident claims.
Myth 3: You Cannot Afford an Attorney to Represent You
Forgoing legal representation is not recommended, but many injured accident victims choose to
go through the claims process alone because they mistakenly believe they cannot afford an
attorney. Clients who have legal representation recover significantly more money than those
who represent themselves, and your attorney can help you avoid disastrous mistakes like
missing deadlines.
Myth 4: You Don’t Need a Lawyer If You Have Car Insurance
This misconception is another chance to point out that the insurance company is not on your
side. Insurance companies put the interests of their shareholders above the needs of the
individual policyholder. In many cases, you will need to fight and advocate for yourself
throughout the claims process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. A lawyer
can help you by negotiating with the insurer, calculating the full value of your claim, and
pursuing legal action if the company refuses to offer a fair amount.
Myth 5: Going to Court Means You Receive Higher Compensation
While it is sometimes necessary to file a lawsuit to get fair compensation after a Texas car
accident, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some accident victims benefit from litigating their
claims, while others are better off accepting a settlement offer. Your attorney can help you
decide what the best option is for you, but some things to consider are:
- The increased costs of litigation
- The probability of receiving a low-ball offer from the insurance company
- The added time and energy needed for a court battle
- Whether the insurance company is considering the full value of your claim
Overcome Myths and Misconceptions by Contacting an Experience Texas Attorney
At the Law Offices of Nader Irsan, our personal injury attorneys thoroughly evaluate each
accident claim to determine the best course of action for the individual client. We provide
compassionate and personalized service to our clients to give them the best possible chance at
maximum recovery. If you have questions about your car accident claim or are interested in
learning more about how our legal team can help you, contact us to schedule a consultation.