Accidents happen. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reports that Americans make nearly 30 million injury-related emergency room visits each year. Suppose you were hurt because of another party’s careless, reckless, or otherwise improper conduct. In that case, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation for damages through a personal injury claim.
Do you have questions about the personal injury claims process in North Carolina? You are far from alone as it is a highly technical, notoriously complex process. You cannot rely on insurance companies for guidance. There are many common misconceptions. In this article, our Hillsborough personal injury attorney debunks seven myths about personal injury claims in North Carolina.
Myth #1: My Own Insurance Company Will Handle Everything
False—at least in many cases. What is true is that your own insurance company may handle some aspects of your case. For example, you may have a no-fault claim through your own MedPay insurance after a car crash. But, it is not generally true that you can rely on your own insurance company to handle everything. You may need to file a legal claim against another party and/or their insurer.
Myth #2: My Injuries are Not that Serious, So I Should Not Even Bother
False. Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should still consider bringing a personal injury claim. This is because the effects of an injury may not always be immediately apparent, and some injuries can get worse over time. Additionally, the compensation you may receive from a personal injury claim can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with your injury. No matter the specific circumstances, it is always a good idea to consult with a North Carolina personal injury lawyer to determine the best course of action for your particular situation.
Myth #3: You Can Wait a Long Time to File a Personal Injury Claim
False. To start, you have to contend with the statute of limitations. In North Carolina, most personal injury claims are subject to a three-year statutory deadline (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52). If you do not file a lawsuit within three years, you likely cannot bring a claim at all. However, it is almost always a huge mistake to wait to get started with the process. You do not want to fall behind.
Myth #4: Negotiating a Personal Injury Settlement With the Insurance Company is Easy
False. Negotiating a personal injury settlement with the insurance company can be challenging. Insurance companies are often more concerned with their bottom line than with providing fair compensation to injury victims. They may try to minimize the value of your claim or even deny it altogether. It is imperative that you have a top-rated North Carolina personal injury attorney on your side as early on in the claims process as possible. Do not take on insurers alone.
Myth #5: You Will Always Have to Testify in Court to Get Personal Injury Compensation
False. While it is true that some injured victims are eventually required to testify in court during personal injury litigation, that is relatively uncommon. Few personal injury claims ever go to trial at all. The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) estimates that the number of personal injury claims that receive a verdict is less than 1 in 20. Settlement is far more common in these cases.
Myth #6: A Personal Injury Lawsuit is Limited Only to Physical Injuries
False. A personal injury lawsuit is not limited only to physical injuries. In addition to physical injuries, a personal injury lawsuit can also compensate for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and other non-economic damages. A North Carolina personal injury attorney will help you put together a robust and well-supported case to maximize your financial recovery.
Myth #7: Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in North Carolina is Very Expensive
False. You can hire a top North Carolina personal injury attorney on contingency. The process starts with a free, no-obligation consultation during which a lawyer can review your case and answer questions. Under a contingency fee agreement, there are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket costs. An attorney will only get paid when you recover financial compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At Paynter Law, we have secured more than $500 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients across all practice areas. If you or your family member was seriously hurt in an accident, you need skilled professional representation. Contact us now for a no-cost, no-commitment appointment with a North Carolina personal injury lawyer. From our Hillsborough office, we represent injured victims throughout North Carolina.