Being the victim of a car accident can be a stressful situation to find yourself in. If you are a victim in one of these accidents, you may be able to pursue the party responsible for damages through the court system. However, there can be many different misconceptions that may cloud your ability to make informed choices during this process. After these common auto accident myths are refuted, you will find yourself better able to protect your rights following your accident.
Myth: The Police Accident Report Is The Only Proof You Need Of The Accident
There is a common belief among some people that the police report is the only document that is needed to prove their claims about the auto accident. However, it should be noted that these reports can contain errors, omissions and other oversights that may allow the defense to argue against your side of the story. To help protect yourself from this problem, you should make sure to take detailed photographs of any damages that your car sustained and injuries you suffered as well the scene of the accident. By providing these images to your attorney, you can help them to create an effective narrative of the accident, which may help in instances where your trial is conducted before a jury.
Myth: You Can Only Claim Damages That Directly Resulted From The Accident
When it comes to the type of compensation that you can be awarded, there are some people that assume they can only claim damages that directly resulted from the accident. While medical costs and auto repair bills may be the most obvious damages that you can collect, there are other types of losses that may also lead to compensation. This can include lost wages and travel expenses related to any treatments that you needed to undergo. The exact types of damages that you can claim will vary greatly from one state to another, but an experienced attorney will be able to help you discover the full scope of financial losses that you may be able to claim.
Myth: Insurance Companies Are Always Quick To Settle Auto Accident Claims
It should come as no surprise that most people want their auto accident cases to be resolved as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, there is a belief that insurance companies will always quickly settle these lawsuits, but this tendency will largely depend on the severity of the accident, the damages being sought and the evidence for the plaintiff. While a lengthy trial may not be your preferred outcome, it may be the only way to force the insurance to compensate you for your losses. Talk to a lawyer at a law office like The Best and Westover for more information.
