Common Myths About Personal Injury Attorneys

If you’ve been involved in an accident, hiring a personal injury attorney may be necessary so that you can recover damages. Many people are hesitant to contact a personal injury attorney because they believe many of common inaccuracies about them.

Personal Injury Attorneys: Myths and Facts

Keep reading to see myths about personal injury lawyers and how they are debunked.

Myth: Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney is Too Expensive

Fact: Most personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, which means the attorney receives a portion of your settlement. If there is no judgment in your favor, you owe nothing. Attorneys also often offer free case evaluations. A case evaluation is a process where they meet with you to determine whether you should pursue a case with the assistance of an attorney.

Myth: Personal Injury Attorneys Are “Ambulance Chasers”

Fact: This myth is often depicted on television shows and in the movies. The Indiana Supreme Court changed its Rules of Professional Conduct in 2010 to prohibit attorneys from contacting accident victims within 30 days of an incident. Attorneys who violate this rule can be charged with professional misconduct by the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission and potentially lose their law license for a period of time.

Myth: Personal Injury Attorneys Are Only Interested in Big Settlements

Fact: Personal injury attorneys are not just interested in big settlements, as most of them simply want justice for their clients. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers at their disposal that work to minimize the amount paid to settle a claim. Personal injury attorneys know that the odds of a fair settlement are against the average consumer unless they are also represented by counsel. As such, their primary goal is to ensure that clients receive fair compensation—nothing more and nothing less.

Myth: Personal Injury Attorneys Tend to File Frivolous Lawsuits

Fact: Personal injury attorneys realize that not every injury has a remedy available under law. Since most work on a contingency basis, they are unwilling to file frivolous lawsuits that have little or no chance of being awarded a settlement or winning a trial. In the personal injury arena, attorneys who work on a contingency basis only get paid if they successfully recover for their clients. Therefore, there is no incentive to file a frivolous lawsuit.

Myth: No Attorney Is Needed for Small Injury Claims

Fact: Whether or not you need an attorney for your case depends on the circumstances, as what seems like a minor injury in the beginning could turn out to have expensive, long-term consequences. The decision to settle without an attorney should be made only after carefully considering all possible future expenses.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of another’s wrongdoing or negligence, contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer from Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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