If you’re building a personal injury claim, there are tons of resources you can reference along the way. Unfortunately, however, there’s also a lot of misinformation out there.
Since basing any aspect of your case on a misconception could hurt your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with some of the more common myths. This will ensure you don’t fall for them at any point.
Here are some of the more prevalent misconceptions regarding personal injury law:
1. You Have Exactly Two Years to File an Injury Lawsuit
You might have two years from the date on which you were hurt to take your case to court, but you may also have considerably more or less time. While California’s standard statute of limitations for personal injury actions is two years, there are several exceptions that can apply. As such, it’s advisable to seek legal counsel as soon as possible after getting hurt. A seasoned attorney can evaluate the situation and let you know precisely how long you have to file a suit based on the facts of the case.
2. You Can Rely on the Insurance Adjuster to Help You Navigate the Proceedings
The insurance adjuster may seem sympathetic, and they may even be incredibly helpful once your claim is underway. When it comes securing a satisfactory payout, however, you cannot rely on them to go to bat for you.
The insurance adjuster’s primary goal is to protect the carrier’s bottom line, which means negotiating for the smallest settlement possible. Your primary goal, on the other hand, is to recover enough money to make your life whole again.
In other words, you shouldn’t expect the insurance adjuster to protect your best interests. Only you—or your legal team—can actually advocate for you over the course of the proceedings.
3. You Cannot Go up Against the Opposing Party Alone
Personal injury claimants are entitled to represent themselves, but it’s generally advisable that they don’t. They have enough to worry about without having to investigate the accident, track damages, or correspond with the opposing party. What’s more, they need all the help they can get when their financial security is at stake.
If you’re still on the fence about enlisting legal help, consider this: Most reputable firms work for a contingency fee. That means their fee comes out of the payout they secure, so the client doesn’t have to worry about covering it out of pocket. Put another way, you’ve essentially got nothing to lose by hiring a resourceful lawyer to help with your case.
Call (562) 206-1939 to Discuss Your Case with a Long Beach Personal Injury Attorney
Your Injuries Are Personal to Me
If you were seriously hurt at the hands of someone else, turn to the Law Office of Michael D. Waks for help putting together your claim. Get the knowledge and resources of a powerhouse practice with the personalized and attentive counsel of a small-town firm. Call (562) 206-1939 or fill out our Contact Form to set up a free case review with a personal injury lawyer in Long Beach.