April 6, 2023

The Top Myths of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted in Personal Injury

When you’re considering hiring an injury attorney, you might have some preconceived ideas of what they are like, and this could prevent you from getting the help you need to recover from your accident. We’re here to clear up any misconceptions to ensure you make the most informed decision.

“My Injuries Weren’t Severe Enough to Need a Lawyer”

In the event of an injury, you could believe you weren’t hurt that badly. However, in many instances, minor injuries could mask more severe ones. You could experience delayed symptoms, or your injuries might take a while to become noticeable. Traumatic brain injuries can have lifelong consequences, but it may take time for them to become apparent.

If you choose not to pursue a claim, you could be left footing the bill for significant injuries that change your way of life. A personal injury lawyer could help determine your damages and who’s responsible for covering your costs.

“I Don’t Need a Lawyer to File a Claim”

Technically, this is true. However, you stand a better chance of recovering compensation successfully with the knowledge and backing of a personal injury lawyer. When you file a claim with an insurance company, an insurance adjuster can determine the value of your claim. Their goal is to keep their client’s costs low.

Our lawyers understand how insurance claims and adjusters work. They can guide you through the process and ensure you reach the best solution to recover compensation.

“Hiring a Lawyer is Expensive”

Personal injury attorneys understand that demanding a fee “out of pocket” is daunting to most clients. That’s why many operate on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay unless your lawsuit or claim is successful. A lawyer may take some of your settlement, but winning the settlement incentivizes your lawyer to win. Working with a lawyer can boost your final payout instead of working alone.

Lawyers are operating a business. The cost of doing business might seem steep, but good lawyers warrant good prices. The final cost shouldn’t come as a surprise: a trustworthy lawyer will outline their pricing and explain what you owe before the final bill comes due.

“I have Plenty of Time to Hire a Lawyer for a Claim”

After you’re hurt in an accident, you might feel you have all the time to file a claim with the person who injured you. New York’s Statute of Limitations gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Your time to hire a lawyer is even less than that.

A personal injury lawyer will need time to investigate your case to prove effectively that you were injured by someone’s negligence. Lawyers benefit by having more time to research and build a case. You need to consider hiring a lawyer as soon as you believe you won’t receive the maximum compensation for your damages.

“The Insurance Company has to Pay for My Damages”

It’s a common misconception that insurance companies are there for the consumer. They are companies designed to generate revenue. They will look for ways to reduce or avoid any payout. An insurance company may offer a “lowball settlement” to skimp on your payment.

It could be tempting to accept the initial settlement. You might want some help in the short run or maybe you want the whole process to be over. Most insurance companies hope you’ll take the offer because you might not know better about your claim’s true cost.

A lawyer can negotiate a higher payout and hold an insurance company accountable. You need to consider your future costs: if your injuries worsen or your life changes radically, you could need more than that lowball settlement provides.

“Lawyers Complicate Cases to Get Paid More”

Filing insurance claims and pursuing lawsuits gets complicated. Each case is unique. While the procedure might be similar between cases, the necessary steps to reach a positive outcome might be very different.

A personal injury attorney is going to work towards your best interests to secure a win. Lawyers working on a contingency fee handle the upfront costs. If they suggest hiring a private investigator to shore up your case, or file additional motions in your lawsuit, it should be to win. A lawyer working in your best interest won’t “inflate” a case with frivolous motions. Instead, they’ll use effective litigation to secure a win.

“I Can Hire Any Lawyer Because They’re All the Same”

There’s an idea that any lawyer can handle any case. When you’re dealing with a personal injury case, you want an attorney who focuses on personal injury law. It’s like going to see a medical specialist: a dentist might have an idea how to treat your sinus issue, but an ear-nose-and-throat doctor will give you a better diagnosis and a better chance of successful treatment.

Our injury lawyers understand the personal injury process, nuances of New York’s laws, and they can help you pursue compensation after an accident.

Debunk the Myths with HKD

At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., we know hiring a lawyer is a big decision. We work with clients like you every day and want you to trust us. We’re ready to help you debunk any misconceptions about working with lawyers. We want you to succeed in your personal injury case and hold those negligent actors responsible for your damages.

We have helped clients in similar situations recover millions in the past. Rely on our experience and knowledge of New York’s personal injury laws to recover your life.

Call (212) 490-5700 or use our online form to schedule a consultation today. No fees unless we win.