Most of us will suffer a personal injury at one point in our lives. Whether you have a nasty car crash or slip at your office, you’ll have to go through an arduous recovery process. To make matters worse, some of us will never be the same after the accident.
The biggest issue with these mishaps is that many of them are caused by others. People might disregard your safety while on the road, spending time in hospital, or checking for work. In many cases, you can sue the culprit and get a hefty compensation.
Unfortunately, the injured party usually doesn’t want to go through this process. We’re told all these lies about the legal proceedings and potential compensation, which makes us turn the other cheek. However, if you knew how easy things are, you would probably file a claim the same day.
Personal Injury Basics
Approximately half a million Brits receive money from compensation recovery units each year. The vast majority of these cases pertain to motor vehicle injuries, roughly 350,000 cases per year, while public injuries are the second with 60,000 cases. We also need to mention clinical negligence and employer-related injuries, which are the other two big groups.
Americans are even more proactive in seeking compensation after an accident. According to some data, approximately 97% of US citizens file a claim after a personal injury.
These numbers reflect the fact that people are not only aware of their rights but are also willing to pursue the settlement in court. Still, a handful of individuals are reluctant to take this step because of all the misconceptions they’ve told over the years.
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The Process is Long
People falsely believe that legal proceedings are long and arduous. This is a widespread lie in the UK and rest of the Europe, even in the well-functioning countries.
The truth is that it doesn’t take too much time to settle a case. In the UK, you’ll have to go through several months of proceedings, which often ends favorably for the accusers. Still, keep in mind this timeframe can vary significantly from case to case.
The biggest reason why the process stalls is the lack of evidence. Some people forget to take photos of the scene or prepare other documents. Because of that, they have to go back and forth until they gather the necessary documentation. Your insurance company might also take some extra time to settle the payment.
Whatever the case, you won’t have to wait for several years. You’ll get your money soon enough as long as you’ve done due diligence.
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Attorneys Are Bad
Many people are fed this lie that they don’t need an attorney to win a clear case. Although some people will know how to present the evidence, most will stumble in the court causing them to lose.
Attorneys are especially vital in case of physical altercations. “You need a legal representative to cover the potential holes in your story during fights and mugging,” warns Stein Law, a Miami stabbing victim lawyer. Things are often blurry in these situations, especially if there is drinking involved.
Having a lawyer by your side is critical because of the insurance. A savvy veteran can properly settle things with your insurer, getting you the compensation you deserve. Remember that while the insurance company will give you some money, they won’t handle the entire case.
In other words, these businesses are not obliged to pay you the entire sum. They take initiative and tell you everything will be alright, but this is because they want to undercut you. In that sense, hiring a lawyer will make you extra money even if you have already received compensation.
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Low Compensation
Another reason why victims don’t take things to court is because they’re worried about the compensation. They believe that even with a cheap lawyer, they won’t be able to get enough money to justify the expense. To make matters worse, they’ll have to go through long legal process.
You’ll be happy to hear that the personal injury claims in the UK yield excellent results. Not only will you automate the process and minimize your involvement, but you’ll also cover medical bills and lost wages, and you’ll get a bit extra on top.
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It’s My Fault
Injured individuals might also struggle to understand who’s at fault. If a situation was undefined, they might even blame themselves. This is precisely why you should consult with an attorney.
Each case is unique, and you won’t know your rights and responsibilities until you consult an expert. For example, you might get partial compensation even if the mishap was somewhat your fault. Keep in mind that a phone call doesn’t cost you anything, so don’t be too timid.
Conclusion
No matter what you might have heard, you are much more suitable than you know. Then again, it’s essential to be critical and consider the other person’s side. In the end, there’s no point in pursuing someone just because you want to get a quick score.