We all know someone with a story to tell about a car accident and what happened afterward. These “experienced” friends are full of advice about what to do and what not to do after you're injured in a crash.
However, more often than not, these well-meaning friends spread false information that can harm your chances of winning a fair settlement in an injury claim. We debunk the most common myths to help protect your claim and get what you deserve.
These Myths Can Hurt Your Massachusetts Injury Claim
Even when someone was successful with a car injury claim in the past, that doesn’t mean their advice is right for you. Every claim is different, and you should ignore the people who make the following statements:
- Massachusetts is a no-fault state, so you can’t file a lawsuit. If your medical bills exceed the threshold amount of $2,000, you absolutely can—and should—file suit with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for the remainder of your damages.
- You can handle the claim by yourself. You can’t rely on insurance companies to be fair—that’s not their job. If you try to handle the claim yourself, you'll likely be cheated out of the compensation you actually deserve. Working with a personal injury attorney will ensure your claim is taken seriously.
- If you sue an insurance company, you’ll have to go to court. Most insurance claims are settled out of court, and an experienced injury attorney will negotiate for the settlement you deserve to cover your losses. However, if your attorney can’t negotiate an acceptable deal, he should be prepared to go to court.
- You have to be seriously injured to get damages. It doesn’t take much for medical costs to exceed $2,000, so you shouldn’t think you have to suffer catastrophic injuries in order to sue a negligent driver’s insurance company for damages.
- You can’t afford a lawyer. Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront, and he only collects a fee once the case is settled. Because attorneys can usually negotiate a larger settlement than you would have gotten on your own, you may still walk away with more money, even after the lawyer is paid.
Allow Us to Clear Up Other Myths You May Have Heard
Contact Mahaney & Pappas, LLP as soon as possible after your Massachusetts car accident. In a free consultation, we’ll review your case and give you the facts you need to make the best decisions moving forward. If we think we can add value and increase your odds of a successful claim, we'll tell you how.
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