Author: Sami Tabbaa
It’s no surprise that personal injury cases can spark uncertainty. Accident victims are typically in a state of shock, and they might not know what to do next. When another person’s negligent actions caused the accident and injuries, victims might be able to pursue a claim against them.
However, you might believe several myths surrounding personal injury claims if you do not consult with an injury attorney. At Tabbaa Law, our goal is to prepare you for the claims process, so we are here to help you debunk these six myths and help you learn the truth.
Myth #1: Personal Injury Claims Take a Long Time
Many people think that personal injury claims in Georgia take years to settle. It might feel like it takes this long because filing paperwork and reviewing evidence can take time. Therefore, it may take a while to hear about the results. However, an attorney may settle your claim within a few months if everything goes smoothly. While some claims do take longer than others, it is your lawyer’s job to gather everything and begin the claims process as soon as possible.
Myth #2: The Responsible Party Will Cover All Expenses
You might think that the responsible party will cover all of your expenses. However, that is not entirely true. The responsible party may cover some of your accident-related expenses, but it is unlikely they will cover every expense. Georgia follows comparative negligence, meaning that each party’s compensation is reduced by how liable they were for causing the accident. For example, a driver may have hit you while going through a red light, but you were texting. In this case, you might be 30% responsible for the crash and may collect up to 70% of damages.
Myth #3: It’s Not Worth Filing a Claim against Family or Friend
There’s never an easy way to resolve financial disputes between friends and family. Many believe that filing a claim against them will put unnecessary strain or tension on the relationship. You might even feel guilty about filing a claim, especially if the other party does not have the financial means to pay the settlement. However, you must remember that the responsible party’s insurance company pays out the settlement. Your friends and family pay monthly premiums in case of an accident to cover the accident-related expenses. Their monthly rates may increase, but they likely will not be covering your medical bills or property damage costs out of pocket.
Myth #4: Accident Victims Must Attend Several Hearings
There is no denying that you will have to sit through a few hearings, some of which might take hours. However, you may not have to deal with many of these hearings. Sometimes, you might not even have to step inside a courtroom working with a Georgia injury attorney. If you do have to go to court, your injury lawyer will do all the talking and questioning, allowing you to listen to what others are saying about the case.
Myth #5: Minor Injuries Are Not Worth a Claim
A common myth you might hear the most is that minor injuries are not worth filing a claim. However, you should still file a claim even if you have a few cuts and bruises to receive compensation for your medical bills. Remember to always see a doctor after an accident, even if you believe your injuries are minor. A bruise may be a sign of internal injuries, while cuts may become infected if left untreated.
Myth #6: You Can File a Claim When It’s Convenient
You might hear from friends or family members that you can file a personal injury claim at any time. With that information in mind, you might wait until you make a full recovery to file a lawsuit against the negligent party. That is not the case. Instead, you may only have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim in Georgia due to the statute of limitations for personal injury accidents. Therefore, we recommend filing one as soon as possible. Waiting to file a lawsuit may allow the insurance company to argue your injuries or property damage resulted from another accident. Protect your compensation and contact an attorney to handle your case.
Speak to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Georgia Today
If you were in a personal injury accident in Georgia, contact Attorney Sami Tabbaa of Tabbaa Law. He can launch a thorough investigation into the accident and hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.
Attorney Tabbaa established his firm to give accident victims the best path toward recovery. We know that each case is unique, so we give every client the personalization and respect they deserve. To learn more about our services or schedule a free consultation, call (770) 370-7881 or complete our contact form.
Personal Injury