Misconceptions About Personal Injury Law
Most legal fields are confusing and overwhelming for those who are navigating them for the first time, but personal injury law can be one of the most challenging fields. Due to the highly charged emotions that often accompany injuries, it can be difficult for people to maintain calm, objective outlooks when approaching their personal injury cases. As a result, there are many common misconceptions surrounding this particular legal discipline. This week, Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. is here to help clear up some of these misconceptions.
Misconception #1: You Are Stuck With The First Settlement Your Insurance Company Offers
Personal injury claims require lots of negotiation with insurance companies. Sometimes people assume that the initial settlement offer they receive is the best one they will get, but this is often not the case. In fact, many insurance companies send lower offers initially in hopes that the plaintiff will accept it and they won't have to pay more. If you accept the very first offer you receive, you could be leaving money on the table.
Misconception #2: You Should Always Make A Statement At The Scene Of The Accident / Injury
The urge to make a statement about your injuries at the scene of the accident is understandable, but it is often unwise. At the scene of the accident, you cannot possibly understand the full extent of your injuries, your resulting medical expenses, and the scope of your recovery time. However, any statements you make at the scene of the accident could be used against you if you have to file a lawsuit later. Before making any statements, talk to a personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks about your case.
Misconception #3: If You Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer, You Will Have To Take Your Case To Court
While some personal injury cases certainly do end up in court, litigation is not the only answer. Litigation is time-consuming and often tedious for every party involved, and many attorneys will do everything they can to reach a reasonable settlement outside of the courtroom if at all possible. The personal injury attorneys at our law firm in Camdenton MO promise to do everything in their power to resolve your case without resorting to litigation.
Misconception #4: If You Are Responsible For Someone Else's Injuries, Showing Sympathy Can Hurt Your Case
We are all human. People make mistakes. If you are partially responsible for someone else's injuries and you wish to visit them in the hospital or send flowers and/or a card, you should feel free to do so although you should avoid discussing the facts of the case. This will most likely not impact the legal aspects of your case in any way, and it can make the personal aspect of your case go more smoothly. By demonstrating empathy and compassion, you may be able to alleviate some of the stress and combativeness that typically accompany personal injury cases.
Questions About Your Personal Injury Case? Contact PMCW Law!
If you think you may have the grounds for a personal injury case or have questions about the process, we hope you will reach out to one of our experienced personal injury lawyers in Camdenton MO. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you secure the best possible settlement for your case. Don't forget that the Missouri Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases expires after two years; if you wait longer than that, your case may be considered invalid. Contact us today!
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
Misconception #1: You Are Stuck With The First Settlement Your Insurance Company Offers
Personal injury claims require lots of negotiation with insurance companies. Sometimes people assume that the initial settlement offer they receive is the best one they will get, but this is often not the case. In fact, many insurance companies send lower offers initially in hopes that the plaintiff will accept it and they won't have to pay more. If you accept the very first offer you receive, you could be leaving money on the table.
Misconception #2: You Should Always Make A Statement At The Scene Of The Accident / Injury
The urge to make a statement about your injuries at the scene of the accident is understandable, but it is often unwise. At the scene of the accident, you cannot possibly understand the full extent of your injuries, your resulting medical expenses, and the scope of your recovery time. However, any statements you make at the scene of the accident could be used against you if you have to file a lawsuit later. Before making any statements, talk to a personal injury attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks about your case.
While some personal injury cases certainly do end up in court, litigation is not the only answer. Litigation is time-consuming and often tedious for every party involved, and many attorneys will do everything they can to reach a reasonable settlement outside of the courtroom if at all possible. The personal injury attorneys at our law firm in Camdenton MO promise to do everything in their power to resolve your case without resorting to litigation.
Misconception #4: If You Are Responsible For Someone Else's Injuries, Showing Sympathy Can Hurt Your Case
We are all human. People make mistakes. If you are partially responsible for someone else's injuries and you wish to visit them in the hospital or send flowers and/or a card, you should feel free to do so although you should avoid discussing the facts of the case. This will most likely not impact the legal aspects of your case in any way, and it can make the personal aspect of your case go more smoothly. By demonstrating empathy and compassion, you may be able to alleviate some of the stress and combativeness that typically accompany personal injury cases.
Questions About Your Personal Injury Case? Contact PMCW Law!
If you think you may have the grounds for a personal injury case or have questions about the process, we hope you will reach out to one of our experienced personal injury lawyers in Camdenton MO. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you secure the best possible settlement for your case. Don't forget that the Missouri Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases expires after two years; if you wait longer than that, your case may be considered invalid. Contact us today!
Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
85 Court Circle N.W., P.O. Box 559
Camdenton, MO 65020 GET A MAP
(573) 346-7231 - Telephone
(888) 236-2485 - Toll Free
(573) 346-4411 - Fax
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