Discover 6 common misconceptions about car accident lawyers, including costs, claims, and legal help, so you can make informed decisions today now.
Most people aren’t familiar with the intricacies of car accident law. In fact, if you’re lucky enough, you’ll never have to meet with a car accident lawyer to discuss an accident you’ve been involved in. However, not having regular interactions with lawyers can mean that some of what you do know about them isn’t necessarily true. Here are some of the most common misconceptions:
They’re Only In It for the Money
Whether you’re talking about a Kent car accident lawyer, a New York truck accident attorney, or another legal professional, you might assume they only take on cases to make money. While everyone deserves to get paid for the work they do, most passionate car accident lawyers aren’t even guaranteed to be paid. Many highly regarded lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only get paid when they secure a successful outcome for you.
You Have to Go to Court if You Hire a Lawyer
You might picture needing to go to court and be embroiled in a wild courtroom scene if you hire a lawyer for your car accident, but that rarely happens. Most car accident cases are settled out of court in a far less dramatic fashion.
Instead of courtroom discussions, most lawyers negotiate directly with insurers to reach a fair agreement without going to trial. This can offer much-needed peace of mind if the thought of being in a courtroom was preventing you from seeking legal action for your car accident.
You Don’t Need a Lawyer for a Minor Collision
A fender bender with minimal damage can often be resolved without the need for lawyers, but that’s not always the case. You should never assume that you don’t need legal advice or a lawyer for a minor collision.
Even minor accidents can cause hidden medical issues or problems with insurance companies. A lawyer can help ensure that you’re not pressured into a quick or undervalued settlement that doesn’t cover your long-term costs.
Hiring a Lawyer is Too Expensive
When you’re facing the prospect of having to repair your vehicle or buy a new one, you may not want to hire a lawyer because they cost too much. However, with contingency fee structures, you don’t need to pay up front for their services. Instead, your lawyer will take a percentage of your settlement when your case reaches a successful conclusion. Many also offer free initial consultations.
All Lawyers Are the Same
While it’s true that all lawyers have gone to law school and must uphold ethical standards, that’s often where the similarities end. You can’t hire just any lawyer you find and expect them to represent you to the best of their abilities.
Car accident lawyers are just one of several practice areas. They have an in-depth understanding of car accident law and can represent you better in this area than a criminal defense lawyer, a family lawyer, or a real estate lawyer, just to name a few.
Lawyers Make the Process More Complicated
It might seem as though adding a third person to your car accident situation complicates it, but quite the opposite is true. Lawyers can make navigating your car accident claim much simpler.
They create a legal strategy, handle paperwork, and communicate with all parties involved on your behalf. Essentially, they take the lead so you can focus on your recovery. Lawyers will also make sure that you meet legal deadlines and have the proper documentation to improve your chances of a successful legal outcome.
These are just some of the many common misconceptions that people hold about car accident lawyers. The more you know about these helpful legal professionals, the more confident you can feel in hiring one if you ever need to rely on them.