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Debunking Common Myths Surrounding Personal Injury Lawsuits

Posted on October 15, 2024 in

Gavel, Themis, legal code and stethoscope on the tableLegal matters can seem complicated, especially for those who have never been involved in legal processes before. However, personal injury lawsuits commonly differ from what everyone expects from the legal system. Several factors about the law might seem universally true, but they don’t necessarily apply to personal injury law. For instance, personal injury claims often take much less time to close than you might think. You might also believe the responsible party automatically pays for all losses, but this is not always true.

We can break down a handful of myths you might expect are true in personal injury law. Depending on your immediate circumstances, we hope we can convince you to take legal action against those liable for your losses. An attorney from Jensen Phelan Law Firm can support you in many ways throughout the legal process. If you have any questions about how these myths apply to your case, please contact us as soon as possible for support.

Myth 1: Personal Injury Lawsuits Take a Very Long Time

Many believe that personal injury lawsuits are time-consuming and often influenced by the lengthy nature of other legal matters. However, personal injury claims generally take less time than other legal matters. It’s quite common for such claims to be resolved in less than a year, or sometimes in just a few months.  Often, there are certain types of insurances, such as medical payments coverage, that can immediately be recovered on an injured person’s behalf.

If you have suffered a personal injury such as a car accident that resulted in severe injuries and losses, we strongly recommend you take legal action. While you might be hesitant to take action because you want to avoid stress over a long period, this is not necessarily a concern you need to have. Furthermore, regardless of how long the case takes, working with a personal injury lawyer can significantly reduce stress.

For instance, an attorney from Jensen Phelan Law Firm will work hard to help your case progress smoothly, minimizing disruption to your daily life.  On top of reducing your stress and minimizing the disruption, your attorney will help represent you fairly and build a strong case in your favor.

Myth 2: The Responsible Party Automatically Pays for Everything

In Arizona, personal injury claim payments are determined based on comparative negligence. This means that each involved party is assigned a certain percentage of fault relating to the incident. While there are some cases where 100% of the responsibility is assigned to a single party, there is a possibility that a victim can also be found partially liable.

For example, cases involving left turning drivers at changing lights can often implicate comparative fault.  While it is understood that a left turning driver must yield the right of way, it becomes a bit muddier if the other driver runs a red light (often claiming it is yellow).  Witness statements and observations become imperative.  An attorney has the resources to quickly gather evidence and retain an accident reconstructionist, if necessary.

Moreover, sometimes there is additional insurance for some crashes if the responsible party is not driving their own vehicle.  The vehicle owner’s insurance may be secondary to the driver’s insurance.  Again, retention of an attorney will assure that you do not leave any possible recovery on the table.

Myth 3: Insurance Won’t Pay Out For Personal Injury Claims

Despite often disappointing experiences with insurance, these companies do still pay out appropriately. With support from an experienced attorney, like one from Jensen Phelan Law Firm, insurance companies cooperate more willingly. When insurance companies know a lawyer is involved, they understand it is much more difficult to minimize payouts and, if they do not act reasonably, will have to endure the expense of a lawsuit.

Attorneys with extensive experience will know precisely what their clients deserve from insurance companies, and they fight tirelessly for every dollar. While insurance companies do all they can to keep their money, once an attorney is involved, they know they will have no alternative but to pay fair compensation for your damages.

Get Valuable Support From a Personal Injury Attorney at Jensen Phelan Law Firm

When it comes to personal injury lawsuits, there are several misconceptions that people often believe. However, a skilled lawyer can negotiate effectively with insurance companies so that clients receive the compensation they deserve. Jensen Phelan Law Firm can help reduce litigation time and work to prove that the liable parties should be held accountable for your losses.

Personal injury law is a complex field with various nuances that can impact the outcome of a lawsuit. It’s crucial for individuals involved in such cases to seek professional legal advice to navigate these complexities and achieve a fair resolution. Please contact us as soon as possible by calling (928) 778-2660 or (520) 344-7484 or completing our contact form.