What Are the Most Common Personal Injury Myths in Missouri?

While the law provides a legal remedy in the form of compensation for injured victims following an accident, most affected parties fail to bring civil action due to the many misconceptions surrounding personal injury claims or lawsuits. This can prevent them from seeking the justice and compensation they deserve.

Fortunately, Powell Law Firm and our attorneys have extensive experience handling personal injury cases in St. Louis, Missouri. We've come across many myths about personal injury claims and offer a free consultation to help determine whether you have a valid case. We are also happy to assist with common car accident myths in Missouri.

What Are the Most Common Personal Injury Myths in Missouri?

Injured victims should always consider filing personal injury claims, as an accident may result in lost wages and hefty medical bills. Failure to bring civil action would mean covering the damages from one's own pocket.

There are many myths about personal injury claims, which have made it challenging for injured victims to seek fair compensation. Here are some of the most common ones:

Myth #1: Injured Victims Don't Need a Personal Injury Lawyer

While it's true that affected parties don't need a personal injury attorney to file a claim, as the law allows them to bring civil action without legal representation, it's essential to understand that the process can be incredibly challenging to navigate.

Another obstacle that injured victims may face is the insurance companies and their legal teams. Insurers hire defense attorneys to combat any personal injury claims that may come their way. They may deny liability, dismiss the case, or devalue the claim.

An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to tackle the dirty tactics most insurance companies use and increase the victim's chances of securing fair compensation. They can gather concrete evidence, build a strong claim, and adhere to the legal process while the affected party focuses on their medical treatment and recovery.

Myth #2: Injured Victims Can File a Personal Injury Claim Anytime

Most injured victims believe that they have all the time in the world to pursue a claim or lawsuit. In reality, that is not the case.

The statute of limitations governs personal injury claims in Missouri. It is a law that sets the maximum time in which an affected party can seek legal action for their injuries. Failure to do so can bar them from making a financial recovery.

In Missouri, injured victims typically have two years from the date of the accident or injuries to pursue legal action. However, this timeframe can be shorter in some cases, especially those claims involving government agencies. This means that the affected parties must immediately consult a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to determine the time they have left to file a claim.

Myth #3: Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Be Expensive

Most injured victims file personal injury claims themselves, as they believe seeking legal representation can be expensive. While lawyers spend a lot of time and energy fighting insurance companies, they also understand that many people don't have the financial resources to hire attorneys. This is why many law firms offer their services on a contingency fee basis. For more information, injury attorneys in St Louis may be able to help.

Under this arrangement, the injured victim doesn't have to pay upfront to secure legal representation. Instead, they agree to pay a certain percentage of the settlement amount if the attorney successfully fights their personal injury case.

What's great about a contingency fee arrangement is that the injured victim doesn't have to pay any fees if their lawyer fails to secure fair compensation. Most personal injury lawyers work on a no-win, no-fee basis, making legal representation more accessible to the masses.

Myth #4: Minor Personal Injuries Aren't Worth Pursuing

There is a misconception that minor injuries aren't worth pursuing legal claims. While it's true to an extent, sometimes injuries that may seem insignificant at first glance may turn into serious medical complications later on. This can adversely impact the injured victim's physical, mental, and financial state.

Whiplash injuries, for example, may start with minor symptoms like dull pain, headaches, and dizziness before worsening over time. Failure to receive medical treatment may lead to chronic pain and immobility, negatively affecting the person's quality of life.

The best way for injured victims to determine whether they should pursue a claim is to always head to a hospital for a complete medical evaluation after an accident and contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

Myth #5: Personal Injury Claims Ruin Lives

Many people avoid filing claims, as they believe that legal action against the careless individual could financially ruin their lives. However, that is not always the case.

Under personal injury law, a victim must file a claim against the negligent party's insurer. Most people have the right policies to cover damages to others caused by their reckless actions. This means that their insurance companies are liable to pay for medical costs, lost wages, and other losses.

Injured victims must realize that personal injury claims are there to compensate them instead of punishing the at-fault parties. This can alleviate some of the guilt they may have regarding seeking civil action, making them feel more comfortable about pursuing their legal rights.

Myth #6: Auto Accident Claims Are Easy to Pursue

While auto accident claims may seem straightforward, a lot can go wrong. Injured victims must determine the liable parties, which can be challenging in the case of a multiple-vehicle crash. A single mistake can lead to a dismissal, which is why it's always best to consult with a skilled personal injury attorney.

Work with an Experienced St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer to Seek Compensation!

Whether it's filing a personal injury lawsuit or a claim, injured victims need to work with a skilled attorney. At Powell Law Firm, we have the skills, expertise, and resources to hold the negligent party accountable for your loss.

Don't let misconceptions about legal representation affect your chances of making a financial recovery. Call us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced St. Louis personal injury attorney to discuss your case, understand your rights, and take the first step toward negotiating a fair settlement!