Car accidents are often life-changing events. If you were recently injured in a car accident, especially one caused by the negligence of another, you may now wish to pursue a personal injury claim so you may be fairly compensated for the damages you’ve incurred. That said, there are several myths surrounding these accident claims that may mislead you and your expectations for your claim, which is why our firm is here to set the record straight. Please continue reading and reach out to our experienced Manhattan car accident lawyer to learn more about some of the most common car accident lawsuit myths and why they are untrue.
Common Car Accident Lawsuit Myths
Just some of the most common car accident lawsuit myths that we’ve heard repeated over the years are as follows:
- You should never sue a friend or family member. This is untrue. If you were injured in an auto accident as a passenger with a friend or family member driving, it doesn’t change the fact that you’ll require compensation to heal. Additionally, when you sue a friend or relative, you’re actually just suing their insurance policy.
- Car accident cases often go to trial. Often, people worry that their injury case will have to go to court. This is also untrue. In most cases, personal injury claims are settled outside of a courtroom setting.
- Injury claims take years to resolve. Though injury cases have dragged on in the past, the truth is, in most cases, they’re resolved in a matter of months.
- You can file a personal injury claim whenever you want. This is false. After an accident, the clock starts ticking on your personal injury claim. In New York, typically, injured persons will have to bring their injury claim within three years of the date their accident happened, in accordance with the state’s statute of limitations. Waiting longer than three years will most likely result in you losing your right to sue.
- The other driver will pay for everything automatically. This is also not necessarily true. If the driver was 100% at fault, then he or she will have to pay for the entire cost of the damages you’ve incurred. However, if the other driver was, say, 80% responsible for the accident, you will only receive 80% of the total damages you would have received, had you not been determined to be 20% at fault.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.