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Car Accident Litigation – Five Common Misconceptions
For most people getting involved in litigation is a frightening scenario. The legal world can be not only confusing and unfamiliar, but also intimidating. If you have been injured in a car accident, then you are likely dealing with insurance companies, adjusters and in some cases, attorneys for other parties. If your accident was minor and did not involve any injuries, you could probably just as easily take care of it without the help of an experienced Washington car accident lawyer.
However, what if you have been injured? What if you are facing stacks of medical bills? What if you are too injured to look into your finances and negotiate with your insurance company or the other party’s insurance carrier? There are several ill-advised assumptions people make in the aftermath of an accident, which can put their case in serious jeopardy. Here are the five most common misconceptions people have when it comes to auto accident litigation.
1. “The insurance company will cover everything”
Wrong. In fact, this is one of the biggest misconceptions that exist out there. Your insurance company is not your friend. They are a business that is looking to minimize your payment and maximize their own profit. Filing a Washington auto accident lawsuit may be your only hope of recovering for your injuries, lost earnings and medical expenses. Also remember that you do not have to accept the settlement offer made by your insurance company if you are not happy or satisfied. There is no final offer until you sign an agreement. So, please do not sign anything until you discuss your case with an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer. If you settle prematurely, they may be little a lawyer can do for you.
2. “I cannot afford a car accident lawyer”
This is not true. Many injured victims in Washington State quietly accept an unfair settlement from an insurance company because they don’t think they can afford a lawyer. When it comes to car accident cases, remember that your personal injury lawyer’s fee is contingent upon his or her success with your claim. Your attorney’s fees are usually a fraction of the amount awarded during litigation. Also consider this: victims who choose to be represented by experienced auto accident lawyers or reputed law firms often receive much more compensation than those who opt to represent themselves. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your potential claim.
3. “If I’m partially at fault for the accident, I cannot get any compensation.”
Not true. If you were partly responsible for an accident, you still have a claim. Washington State follows the system of "comparative negligence" where you will be compensated depending on what your part or contribution was to the accident. For example, if you were 30 percent responsible, the damages awarded to you will be reduced to 50 percent. So, remember that you may be eligible to receive compensation even if it is determined that you were partly at fault for the accident.
4. “I have all the time in the world to file a claim or lawsuit”
Again, this is not true. You would be ill-advised to wait too long to file a car accident lawsuit. It may be too late because in Washington State, you only have three years to file a lawsuit from the date of the accident. This is known as "statute of limitations." In some cases, especially if your claim is against a governmental entity, the time limit to file a claim may be even shorter. Also, remember that when you wait too long to pursue your rights, evidence that is critical to the case could be lost or destroyed.
5. “Litigation is long battle”
The truth is: It doesn’t have to be, and with an experienced Washington personal injury lawyer on your side, litigation is never a drawn-out battle. A majority of the cases our firm handles are settled without setting foot in a courtroom. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer knows that successful resolution can be brought about with skilled negotiation. Unless your case is extremely complicated, most car accident cases we handle are negotiated and settled within a year.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington car accident, please contact the skilled and experienced personal injury lawyers at The Bernard Law Group to find out more information about your legal rights and options. We know the ins and outs of the litigation process and have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies. We have what it takes to obtain for you, the compensation you rightfully deserve.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON – CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
