Car accidents happen all the time, but that doesn’t mean that it’s always easy for the victims of those wrecks to get fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
The challenge can intensify, however, if you listen to the wrong guidance – and there is a whole lot of misinformation out there. That makes it essential to investigate what you hear and separate fact from fiction. These are three of the most common myths you may hear.
You can’t afford to pursue a claim
This is probably the number one reason that people end up settling for less than they’re due. Insurance companies seem like they hold all the power, and most people assume that legal assistance is too expensive to afford. In reality, the vast number of personal injury claims are handled on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay a percentage of whatever you ultimately receive for your legal guidance – and usually nothing at all if your claim isn’t successful.
You can’t collect damages if you were even slightly at fault
Maybe you didn’t have your seatbelt latched when you backed out of your driveway and that somewhat contributed to your injuries. The other party’s insurance company certainly seems to feel like it negates the fact that the other driver was traveling down your street at an excessive speed before they crashed into you. In Ohio, however, you’re entitled to pursue a claim so long as you are less than 51% at fault for your damages. The other driver’s insurance company may simply be trying to devalue your claim and make you anxious, hoping that you’ll accept whatever pittance they offer.
You need witnesses for a successful claim
If there are no witnesses around when a wreck happens, it’s your word against the other driver’s word about what really happened, right? Well, not exactly. Evidence from security cameras, dash cams, black boxes and cellular devices may prove even more valuable (and more accurate) than eyewitnesses, and it’s often possible to tell what happened from skid marks, the way the vehicles are damaged and where any debris fell.
If you’ve been hurt due to another driver’s errors, you have every right to pursue compensation for your losses. Don’t be afraid to reach out for legal guidance as soon as possible to get started.