Although car wrecks happen every day, most people learn about them through sources other than personal experience. As a result, many car accident myths persist. Before forming any opinions about how to handle the aftermath of a car accident, it’s crucial to understand the truth behind these common misconceptions.
Myth #1: “If I’m not hurt right away, I don’t need to see a doctor.”
Some people feel OK after a car wreck. They don’t see or feel any obvious injuries, so they assume there’s no harm done. However, the shock and adrenaline of a car crash can mask pain while your mind deals with the immediate crisis. You might only start experiencing pain and other symptoms later. That’s why it’s always a good idea to wait to seek medical attention. Many serious injuries — like whiplash, soft-tissue injuries, concussions, and internal bleeding — may not show up immediately but can be long-lasting or even life-threatening.
Pursuing a car accident claim can be more challenging if you fail to seek timely medical treatment. A doctor or hospital visit creates an official record, not only of your injury but also its connection to the wreck. If pain shows up later, the insurance company might argue that your injury isn’t from the car accident because you didn’t see a physician right after it happened.
Myth #2: “The police report always determines who is at fault.”
Of all the auto accident misconceptions out there, this one may be the root cause behind people not getting the financial compensation they deserve. Don’t worry — the police report is not the final word on fault. The officer at the accident scene made their assessment using the information available at the time, but there is almost always more information to consider. You could still be entitled to compensation, and an attorney will make their own assessment while investigating your personal injury case.
Myth #3: “I can handle the insurance company on my own.”
If you’re lucky, you’ve never had to haggle with an insurance company for compensation after a car wreck. Insurers have a tremendous advantage over individuals who try to negotiate settlements alone. Insurance adjusters rely on accident victims having limited knowledge of the settlement process and how much compensation they are truly entitled to.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company may employ various tactics to minimize payouts or completely deny your car accident claim. They might offer you a quick settlement to get you to waive your rights to pursue further compensation. They might ask for a recorded statement or to sign a medical release form. They might also stall in an attempt to push your claim beyond the legal timeframe for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
When it comes to dealing with insurance companies, you need to fight fire with fire. An experienced Mississippi car accident attorney can handle their tactics and negotiate aggressively for compensation that reflects the true extent of your losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Myth #4: “I don’t need a lawyer unless I go to court.”
While you certainly want a seasoned Mississippi personal injury attorney to represent you if your claim goes to trial, a good lawyer will strive to help you avoid court in the first place. Your lawyer can build you a strong case backed by a substantial body of evidence that will serve as powerful leverage during settlement talks. If you wait until a car accident lawsuit is the only way to assert your rights, you may have already weakened your case and limited your options to recover fair compensation.
Myth #5: “Hiring a lawyer is too expensive.”
This is one of the most common car accident misconceptions. Most Mississippi personal injury law firms, including Mama Justice – MW Law Firm, work on a contingency fee basis. That means that you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case. We also offer free consultations, so it costs nothing to learn whether you have a valid car accident claim. Don’t worry about money right now. Focus on healing, and let your lawyer handle the rest.
How Mama Justice Can Help You Navigate the Claims Process
Now that we’ve clarified these common car accident myths, you’re in a stronger position to pursue your personal injury claim with confidence. One way to do this is by working with a car accident lawyer in Mississippi. Mama Justice can help you by:
- Reviewing your case for free – Don’t jump to conclusions about your case until you’ve spoken with a Mississippi personal injury lawyer from Mama Justice. We’ll sit down for a free consultation so we can learn about you and your case, and then we’ll suggest a suitable course of action.
- Gathering evidence – The success of your car accident case will depend largely on the evidence you present. We’ll obtain documents such as the police report and medical records, interview witnesses, collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, and consult with medical specialists to build the strongest case possible for you.
- Negotiating with insurers – Insurance companies are not your friend, and their goal is to avoid paying you maximum compensation. Our Mississippi car accident attorneys can spot unfair insurance tactics designed to deny you the fair compensation you deserve and fight back with strong evidence to challenge their arguments.
- Representing you in court – If the insurance company won’t negotiate fairly, we’ll file a car accident lawsuit and take your case to trial. Mama Justice is comprised of seasoned trial lawyers with a track record of success in courts throughout Mississippi and the Deep South.
Having legal representation can help you avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize your right to receive fair compensation.
Contact a Mississippi Car Crash Lawyer
There’s a lot of information out there regarding car accident claims. Some of it’s true, some of it’s false. Don’t try to sort fact from fiction all by yourself. Let an experienced car accident lawyer in Mississippi do it for you. Contact us today for your free consultation, and let Mama Justice guide you forward.
