Houston is a city where accidents happen a lot. Luckily, personal injury law exists in the city. Personal injury law is important when it comes to helping safeguard the rights of the parties who’ve suffered injury or loss because of the wrongdoing, negligence, or recklessness of others. However, myths and misconceptions usually cloud how personal injury claims really work. When you hire an injury lawyer in Houston, a city where accidents happen all the time, this professional will help you debunk the myths and ensure you make informed legal decisions.
This article will highlight some of the myths you need to be aware of surrounding personal injury law in Houston and shed a bit of light on all the realities involved. Personal injury claims are an often misunderstood and complicated area of the law. Hopefully, after debunking these 5 myths, you’ll now be able to avoid the frustration and confusion that come with such cases.
Myth 1: These claims are all about the money
One of the most common myths of all of them is that personal injury suits are filed to mainly seek financial compensation. While getting fair compensation for suffering, lost wages, and hospital bills is a vital aspect, the legislation also looks to hold liable parties accountable for whatever they may have done or the part they played in the said incident. Personal injury legal claims typically seek to make sure justice is served, prevent future harm, and promote safety.
Myth 2: They’re quick and easy
Movies and television show that most personal injury claims are easy and quick, with parties reaching a resolution in only a couple of days or weeks. In reality, personal injury cases can sometimes even take several years to resolve, let alone months. The legal process typically involves negotiating with insurance firms, collecting evidence, and, if necessary, going to trial. The severity of the injury/loss and the case’s complexity can also significantly impact the case’s timeline.
Myth 3: Any lawyer can handle such cases
Contrary to popular belief, the law regarding personal injury claims is more specialized than most people tend to think and requires specific experience and expertise. A skilled personal attorney has in-depth knowledge of all the intricacies involved in calculating damages, establishing negligence, and proving negligence. Getting the help of a dedicated personal injury attorney increases the odds of getting a favorable outcome.
Getting the right lawyer could mean the difference between getting what you rightfully deserve and getting absolutely nothing. Sadly, it’s as serious as that, so you need to pick your attorney wisely.
Myth 4: Every personal injury claim ends up in court
While some personal injury claims do have to go through a trial, most are resolved via a settlement or negotiation process outside of the courtroom. A seasoned and knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Houston, Texas, will evaluate all your options, including negotiating with the insurance firms, to ensure you get a fair outcome. Lawyers go through litigation when they can’t reach a settlement outside of court, and it is the only way to obtain fair compensation.
Myth 5: You can file your suit at any time
Most people believe they can file their claim at any time after the incident, regardless of when it occurred. Unfortunately, that’s not true. In reality, Texas has a statute of limitations, and under this legislation, there’s a specific deadline set for filing personal injury claims. These limitations typically depend on who was responsible for the accident and how severe the injury or loss was. If you don’t file your personal injury claim in time, according to Texas legislation, then your claim may eventually end up being dismissed.