Misinformation about car accidents can cost you thousands of dollars in compensation and jeopardize your legal rights. At the Law Offices of Pius Joseph, we dispel car accident myths in Pasadena and help injury victims understand the truth about their claims. Many people make costly mistakes because they believe common misconceptions about accident cases and insurance settlements.
Myth 1: Minor Accidents Don’t Require a Lawyer
Even low-speed collisions can cause serious injuries that emerge days or weeks after a crash. Insurance companies often exploit unrepresented victims by offering quick settlements that fail to cover future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A Pasadena car accident lawyer can represent you during settlement negotiations and offer insight on whether the insurance company is making a fair offer.
Myth 2: Insurance Always Pays Fairly
Car crash misconceptions in Pasadena often include the belief that insurance adjusters work to protect your interests. Insurers maximize profits by minimizing payouts, and they use aggressive tactics to devalue legitimate claims. Insurance companies often try to reduce settlements by:
- Disputing injury severity
- Blaming pre-existing conditions
- Rushing early lowball settlement offers
- Misrepresenting policy coverage
- Delaying claim processing
- Requesting excessive documentation
- Twisting recorded statements
Myth 3: Fault Is Always Clear in Pasadena Car Accidents
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which allows accident victims to recover compensation even if they share fault for a crash. Defendants often try to shift blame to reduce their liability and the compensation they owe you. A lawyer with experience establishing car accident liability in Pasadena can gather persuasive evidence so that you are not unfairly blamed for a collision.
Myth 4: You Don’t Need Medical Records if You Feel Fine
Adrenaline can mask pain immediately after collisions, and serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal damage may not manifest symptoms for hours or days. Delaying medical treatment creates gaps in your records that insurance companies may use to argue your injuries resulted from unrelated causes. You can weaken their argument by seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident.
Myth 5: Waiting Doesn’t Affect Your Pasadena Car Crash Case
California law gives injury victims only two years to file personal injury lawsuits, but waiting too long may weaken your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies interpret delays as proof that accidents caused no real harm.
Myth 6: Pasadena Car Accident Lawyers Are Only for Lawsuits
Most car accident cases settle without going to trial. An auto accident lawyer in Pasadena can provide valuable services throughout the claims process. Your attorney can manage complex negotiations and safeguard your rights, whether your case is resolved through settlement discussions or in court.
Legal representation includes:
- Investigating accident scenes
- Gathering medical documentation
- Calculating damages
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters
- Filing insurance claims
- Handling liens and subrogation
- Communicating with providers
- Meeting legal deadlines
Myth 7: You Can Handle Filing a Car Accident Claim in Pasadena Alone
No law requires you to hire a car accident lawyer in Pasadena, but obtaining fair compensation without legal help may be challenging. Insurance companies employ teams of lawyers, adjusters, and investigators who work to minimize payouts. Unrepresented accident victims may face significant disadvantages when dealing with corporations that prioritize profits over fair compensation for injured people.
Protect Your Rights With a Pasadena Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t let Pasadena car accident myths prevent you from recovering the compensation you deserve after a collision. Call the Law Offices of Pius Joseph or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer. We will relentlessly advocate for your rights and work to maximize your recovery.
