Why Some Accident Victims Don’t Make Claims . . . And Why You Should

Many people get hurt in accidents but do not make  a claim. Too often, the reasons for this are mistaken beliefs people have about their rights, procedures or what will happen.  Here are some common beliefs that cause accident victims to not make a claim  — or not seek legal help — and the truth.

I can’t recover money because I was partly at fault for the accident.

Not true.  In almost every state, accident victims can recover money even if they are partly to blame for the accident. 

An insurance adjuster offered me money, so I don’t need a lawyer’s help.

Not true.  It’s vital to have a lawyer’s help even if an insurance adjuster offers you money.  Adjusters work for the insurance company — not you — and their job is to pay you as little as possible.  Remember that studies —even those by insurance companies — show accident victims receive more money with a lawyer’s help.

There’s no need to seek legal help right after the accident.

Not true.  There are many reasons to get legal help promptly.  One reason is there are time limits for making claims.  If you wait and the deadline passes, your claim will be dismissed. 

Another reason is that the longer you wait after an accident, the harder it can be to find witnesses and gather evidence.  Thus, waiting can cause you to receive less than what you would get if you sought help sooner.

I was not badly hurt, so there’s no need to make a claim.

Not true.  Even if your injuries seem small, they may get worse and you may miss work, face large medical bills, and have other losses.  Making a claim can protect you in case this happens. 

I can’t afford to pay legal fees.

Most injury claims are handled on a contingent fee basis, meaning the legal fee is paid from the recovery (there may, however, be court and other fees).  If there’s no recovery for you, then there’s no legal fee.

These are just a few mistaken beliefs that cause some accident victims to not make a claim.  If you are in an accident, don’t give up a claim without consulting your lawyer to find out if you have a case.  Don’t let mistaken beliefs — based on misinformation — stop you from making a claim and recovering damages you are legally entitled to receive.