Thousands of people are injured across the United States every day. While some injuries are minor, others will go on to suffer serious, long-term injuries. Many of these accidents are completely avoidable. If you are injured due to someone’s negligence or fault, you are entitled to compensation by making a personal injury claim. You may be compensated for the injuries you sustain, including your medical bills and lost wages, but there is more to it than that. Here are some common myths we want to clear up regarding the claim process.
Myth 1: All Personal Injury Claims Go to Court
In most instances, cases never make it all the way to the courtroom. Most of them result in settlements being reached outside of court. When deciding whether or not to accept the offer — the decision of which is solely in your control — consider the following four factors:
- Does it compensate you for the medical bills, treatment, and any liens that must be paid from the settlement?
- Does it cover any lost wages, future lost wages, and/or any impairment of earnings capacity?
- Does it compensate you for your physical pain and suffering from the injuries and any future pain and suffering?
- Does the amount put you in the position you were in prior to the accident? This is known as “making the victim whole.”
Myth 2: I Won’t Be Able to Afford an Attorney
Many attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning an attorney doesn’t get paid unless their client gets paid. “People often wonder if there will be anything left over after paying all of the medical bills and lawyer fees. While that may happen at other firms, it will NEVER happen at Parker Law Firm. Our fee will never exceed a client’s recovery,” Brad says.
Myth 3: I Can File a Personal Injury Claim Any Time I Want
Texas has a statute of limitations of two years from the date of the injury following an accident for a personal injury claim. If you attempt to take the at-fault party to court after two years, you will not be able to pursue legal action and hold the negligent party responsible. Brad says, “Two years may seem like plenty of time to take action after a personal injury accident, but it takes months to build a strong case before filing. That’s why it is imperative that you reach out for legal help as soon as possible.”
Myth 4: Personal Injury Claims Resolve Quickly
On average claims are resolved anywhere from six months to two years from the date of hiring a lawyer, depending upon how quickly medical treatment is completed. Brad says, “There is no uniform amount of time in which a claim gets resolved. One of the biggest factors is the length of time it takes you to recover from your injuries. If you can recover within three months, then the process of getting the claim resolved will be shorter than if it takes a year to recover.”
Myth 5: The At-Fault Driver in My Accident Will Pay for Medical Bills as I Incur Them
Victims often think that all of their medical bills and all their economic damages are going to be paid by the at-fault driver. “Many times people will go to the hospital or see their doctor and not want to use their own health insurance to pay for their bills thinking that the insurance company will pay these bills. They will not do that. Only once you have completely quit treating will your claim be ready for settlement,” Brad says.
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Accident?
If you’ve been injured you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Bedford, Texas office directly at 817.440.3888 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation. We help personal injury clients throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington as well as all areas of Texas.
At Parker Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers believe people matter. We are committed to our clients, not case numbers, and we believe in the power of the civil justice system. With years spent both representing accident victims and participating in the state legislative process, our founder, Brad Parker, has developed a deep understanding of the law and gained unique experience that helps him get results for his clients.
