Available 24/7There are many misconceptions about auto accident attorneys in California and throughout the United States, often created by movies, television, and even books. These misconceptions might lead someone who has been injured in a California auto accident to try to go it alone without adequate legal representation, not realizing what a major mistake this could end up being.
The reality is that auto accident attorneys in California and elsewhere are an important part of society and are essential to those who want fair compensation for their injuries and losses after an auto accident. In fact, research has shown that those who pursue an auto accident claim with the representation of an attorney on their side will get (on average) more than three times the settlement amount of someone who tries to take on the insurance company by themselves.
Today, we’ll look at some of the most common misconceptions and myths associated with auto accident lawyers and help you to fully understand the need for auto accident attorneys in California.
Myth: An Auto Accident Attorney is Nothing More Than an Ambulance Chaser
Television and movies frequently portray auto accident attorneys in a very negative light. They show and define lawyers as being ruthless and cold ambulance chasers who have no other intention than to prey on the victims of accidents for a substantial profit. The insurance companies are more than happy to perpetuate this myth because it prevents them from ever having to pay a fair amount of compensation to the auto accident victims who may unwisely trust an insurance claims adjuster to have their best interests in mind. When it comes down to it, it is the insurance companies who are more deserving of the mistrust that is so often associated with auto accident attorneys.
The insurance companies want to save money, not to pay out large settlements, regardless of what the victims deserve. Auto accident attorneys in California, such as those at The Sargent Firm Injury Lawyers, are actually more often a compassionate group of individuals who want to ensure that you get the fair compensation that you deserve after an accident and that you don’t get taken advantage of or mislead by the ulterior motives of an auto insurance claims adjuster.
Myth: You Don’t Need a Lawyer Because That’s What Insurance Is For
Returning to the subject of auto insurance companies, one of the most common myths is that auto accident victims don’t need a lawyer because the insurance companies are going to cover their damages without one. The auto insurance company claims adjuster will likely offer you a settlement without the intervention of an attorney. Yet this settlement will probably more than three times less than what you deserve. You may not realize it at the time, because they’ll want you to settle quickly, but your medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, and ongoing recovery expenses – even your pain and suffering – is likely to amount to much more than you think when you are first contacted by the insurance company. The insurance company does not want to look out for your best interests. They want to look after their own, which involves getting you to agree to a low ball settlement offer as soon as possible.
Myth: The Goal of an Auto Accident Attorney Is to Sue For Unreasonable Sums
Many people are unaware of just how costly their auto accident injuries are going to be in the long run. When they hear of the enormous sums of money that auto accident victims receive with the help of a lawyer, it is easy to believe that it is nothing more than greed that drives those attorneys and the victims of the accidents themselves to seek such large compensation amounts. Yet, even fairly minor accidents can result in long term damage that is terribly costly in terms of medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Then, there is the property damage to think about. Your attorney will not be motivated by greed, but by what is in your best interests.
Myth: You Have Plenty of Time to Think About It Before Contacting a Lawyer
Finally, we need to address the myth that you’ve got plenty of time to think about your options before you consider hiring a determined California auto accident attorney. Yet, the longer you wait, the more pressure you’ll feel from the insurance company to settle, the more likely you are to make mistakes, and the more likely you are to ultimately run out the statute of limitations. Contact The Sargent Firm Injury Lawyers for a free consultation of your California auto accident claim and get started right away.
