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15 Common Myths About Personal Injury Claims, and Why They Could Cost You Thousands

If you’ve been involved in a car accident or suffered a personal injury, chances are you’ve heard a lot of advice, most of it wrong. Unfortunately, believing common myths about personal injury law can drastically reduce the value of your accident claim.

At our injury law firm, we help clients every day who almost walked away from their cases due to misinformation. In this blog, we’re busting 15 of the most harmful myths we hear so you can protect your rights, maximize your compensation, and work with an experienced accident lawyer to get the justice you deserve.

Myth #1: If I don’t get treatment right away, I can’t file a claim.

After a car accident, adrenaline often masks pain for hours or even days. Many people delay seeking treatment because they don’t “feel injured.” That doesn’t disqualify you from a personal injury claim. In fact, injury attorneys routinely win settlements for clients who didn’t get immediate care.

Pro tip: Always schedule a doctor’s visit after an accident, even if you feel okay. Early documentation strengthens your case.

Myth #2: Hiring a personal injury lawyer is too expensive.

Not true. Reputable accident attorneys work on a contingency fee, meaning they don’t get paid unless you win. Studies show people who hire a car accident attorney recover up to four times more compensation than those who represent themselves.

Myth #3: My insurance company will take care of everything.

Insurance companies are businesses, not your friends. While they may cover some of your medical bills, they won’t offer compensation for pain, suffering, or future medical needs unless they’re forced to. An experienced injury lawyer negotiates for everything you’re owed, not just the bare minimum.

Myth #4: Personal injury cases always take years.

The average personal injury case settles within three to nine months. Only a small percentage go to trial. A good accident attorney works to resolve your case quickly because they don’t get paid until you do.

Myth #5: Minor injuries aren’t worth filing a claim.

Even seemingly small injuries like back or neck pain can become chronic or require long-term treatment. Don’t make the mistake of waiting to “see if it gets better.” An injury lawyer can file your claim while you focus on recovery. If your condition worsens, you’re protected.

Myth #6: I can wait to seek medical care.

In Florida, if you don’t get medical treatment within 14 days of the accident, you could lose your PIP (Personal Injury Protection) benefits, up to $10,000. Insurance companies also use treatment delays to claim your injuries weren’t related to the crash.

Myth #7: Most accident claims go to trial.

Around 98 to 99 percent of personal injury cases settle before going to trial. Many are resolved without even filing a lawsuit. Your personal injury lawyer will guide the process and only go to court if it’s absolutely necessary.

Myth #8: I can only recover for medical bills and lost wages.

That’s just your economic damages. You’re also entitled to non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These often represent the largest portion of a settlement or verdict.

Myth #9: The other driver was ticketed, so liability is clear.

In Florida, traffic citations are not admissible in court. This means the ticket doesn’t prove fault in your case. An experienced car accident attorney can conduct an independent investigation to establish liability.

Myth #10: I can’t file a claim because no one got a ticket.

Whether or not a citation was issued has no bearing on your right to pursue a personal injury claim. Even if you received the ticket, that doesn’t automatically mean you were at fault. Let your accident lawyer review the facts.

Myth #11: I can see any doctor I want.

Major hospitals and clinics often refuse to treat accident victims due to billing and liability concerns. If you tell them you were injured in a crash, they may turn you away. A personal injury attorney can refer you to qualified doctors who will document and treat your injuries properly.

Myth #12: Filing a claim will raise my insurance rates.

Under Florida Statute 626.9541, your rates can’t increase for a crash that wasn’t substantially your fault. Even if your rates did go up slightly, the value of your settlement, often tens of thousands more with a lawyer, far outweighs any premium increase.

Myth #13: Filing a claim makes me greedy or litigious.

Seeking fair compensation isn’t about greed. It’s about justice. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you have a legal and moral right to be made whole. That includes medical care, lost wages, and compensation for your pain.

Myth #14: If I don’t have visible injuries, I don’t have a case.

Most personal injury claims involve internal injuries like soft tissue damage, spinal injuries, or concussions that aren’t visible. Diagnostic tools like MRIs are essential in these cases. You don’t need bruises or broken bones to file a claim.

Myth #15: No airbag deployment means the crash wasn’t serious.

In rear-end collisions, airbags often do not deploy, and yet people still suffer whiplash, disc injuries, or worse. A lack of airbag deployment doesn’t mean you weren’t injured, and it doesn’t disqualify your case. Accident lawyers frequently recover substantial settlements in cases with no airbag activation.

Don’t Let Myths Cost You Money

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t rely on what friends, coworkers, or insurance companies tell you. A qualified personal injury lawyer can give you real answers and help protect your financial future.

At our firm, we’ve helped thousands of clients overcome these misconceptions and secure the compensation they deserve. Whether you have visible injuries or hidden trauma, call us before you sign anything or speak to the insurance adjuster.

Injured in a car crash? Unsure if you have a case?
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