Plenty of confusion surrounds car accidents, including everything from what to do after a collision to how to go about the claims process. With all of this uncertainty, many individuals come up with what they believe to be truths which often turn out to be false. Here are the top four car accident claim myths debunked.
Filing a Claim Is Unnecessary
Many individuals carry the belief that it is unnecessary to file a claim after a personal injury accident. The reason being is that such claims are widely seen as frivolous, and the people who pursue them are perceived as money hungry. The individuals who spread such myths put individuals at risk for missing out on compensation they’re entitled to by law. This is most evident in car accident claims as they tend to be accompanied by costly medical and property repair bills. Those who do not file a claim after a car accident will have to allocate funds to afford financial responsibilities incurred by accident-related damages.
You Can File a Claim Anytime
You cannot file a claim for a car accident whenever you choose. If you are involved in a car accident today, you have a limited time to claim damages that resulted from the accident. This time limitation, known as the statute of limitations, differs depending on the state and type of claim. The statute of limitations for car accident claims in Louisiana is one year. After that time passes, you lose the opportunity to recover compensation from the accident.
You Don’t Need a Lawyer for Minor Injuries
One of the most widespread myths involves car accident cases where the afflicted party only endures minor injuries, if any. Drivers nationwide believe that if this is the case, there is no claim to file; this is false. What people fail to understand is that physical injuries are just one of the many possible damages in a car accident. The other damages car accident victims can pursue compensation for include:
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Lower quality of life
Litigation is Necessary for Compensation
Another deterrent from filing car accident claims is the common belief that you’ll need to go to court to get compensation. This myth is probably the most widely accepted, as lawyers and the court system are synonymous to many. With that in mind, car accident victims often opt out of filing a claim in an attempt to avoid having to go to court. In all actuality, lawyers would rather settle your claim out of court than pursue possibly lengthy and unfavorable litigation. The reason being is that litigation can be costly and unnecessary in most car accident cases. Even the most life-threatening auto accidents are settled out of court as the guilty party prefers to handle the issue as soon as possible.
With these myths debunked, it is vital that you take the necessary steps following a car accident. The car accident attorneys at E. Orum Young Law Offices are well-versed in Louisiana personal injury law and can guide you through the claims process. Our Trial Guarantee ensures that we will take your case to court if you are ever dissatisfied with the outcome. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
