Personal injury attorneys often face a myriad of misconceptions that can deter potential clients from seeking help. This blog post aims to debunk some of these common misconceptions and provide a clearer understanding of how our Camden SC personal injury lawyers help clients.
1. Hiring a Lawyer Is Expensive
Many people believe that engaging a personal injury lawyer will be expensive. However, the majority of personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only receive payment if they successfully win the case. They don’t bill by the hour or demand a large retainer.
The lawyer’s fee is a fraction of the settlement or verdict amount, typically between 30% and 40%. This arrangement allows individuals of all income levels to access legal representation, as there are no upfront legal costs.
2. I Can Handle My Own Case
It’s true that you have the right to represent yourself in a personal injury case. However, managing your own case can be challenging, especially if you’re left with significant medical bills and property damage after an accident.
A seasoned personal injury lawyer can help ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to for medical expenses and other costs.
3. All Personal Injury Cases Take Years
There’s a common perception that personal injury lawsuits take years to resolve. While some cases do take a long time to settle, many personal injury lawsuits are concluded within several months. Personal injury lawyers invest time in meticulously investigating the accident’s cause and the full extent of the victim’s injuries.
4. You Don’t Need a Lawyer If You Have Insurance
Having insurance to cover your losses doesn’t negate the need for a lawyer to settle your case. Even your own insurance company may reject or delay your claim. Lawyers are skilled negotiators and are familiar with the strategies often employed by insurance adjusters. Insurance companies are businesses aiming to make a profit, and they will strive to provide you with the smallest possible settlement.
5. I Have Years to File My Case
You might assume that you have an unlimited timeframe to file a personal injury claim, but this is not the case. The countdown begins immediately after your accident. In South Carolina, victims of accidents have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
If don’t file within the time limit set by the statute of limitations, you can’t seek compensation. There are situations when the deadline may be extended.
6. All Personal Injury Cases Go to Trial
Many people believe that all personal injury cases end up in court. However, the reality is that many personal injury cases are settled out of court. In fact, it’s estimated that about 95% of personal injury cases are settled before they ever reach a courtroom. This is often a more desirable outcome for all parties involved, as trials can be costly and time-consuming.
7. Any Lawyer Can Handle My Case
Not all lawyers have the same level of expertise and experience in personal injury law. Personal injury law is a specialized field that requires a deep understanding of medical terminology, negotiation tactics, and the ability to calculate and negotiate fair compensation.
You should hire an experienced lawyer who specializes in personal injury law for the best representation possible.
8. The Person at Fault Will Pay Out of Pocket
Another common misconception is that the person at fault for the accident will have to pay for your damages out of their own pocket. In reality, it’s usually their insurance company that pays the settlement. This is why it’s crucial to hire a personal injury attorney who is experienced in dealing with insurance companies and knows how to negotiate a fair settlement.
9. I Don’t Need a Lawyer for a Minor Accident
Even if you don’t feel hurt immediately after an accident, you should still see a doctor and keep records in the event you need to file a personal injury claim. Some injuries may not become apparent until days or even weeks after the accident.
Additionally, medical bills and lost wages can add up quickly even if you don’t suffer major injuries. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Contact Our Camden, SC Personal Injury Lawyers Today!
It’s important to understand the role of personal injury attorneys and the misconceptions that surround them. By debunking these misconceptions, we hope to encourage more people to seek the help they need when they are injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Get the help you deserve by contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer at Connell Law today. Call us at 702-266-6355 for a free case evaluation.