Myths About Car Accidents
Whether you’ve been in one or not, you most likely have heard at least a few myths about car accidents. Many people make assumptions or spread misinformation that they believe is true and helpful to others.
However, at Smith McBroom, we want our clients to know the facts about these car accidents. To ensure you are not misinformed, we will debunk seven of the most common myths about Seattle car accidents below.
1. Myth: Accident victims do not need to go to the hospital if they feel fine after a crash.
Fact: Accident victims should always seek medical attention right after their crashes. Many injuries are hidden or do not immediately present symptoms. To be sure that you do not have life-threatening injuries that could impact you for the rest of your life, you should visit your local emergency room, urgent care, or primary care physician’s office to receive an examination and undergo various tests to rule out injuries.
Obtaining medical attention will ensure you receive a treatment plan tailored to you and your condition. Medical providers will also make a report and document your injuries. This documentation is very important to your case as it shows that you were injured in the accident and sought medical treatment right away.
2. Myth: I do not have any options if a driver hits me and flees the scene.
Fact: If you are hit by a driver who flees the scene, this is considered a hit-and-run accident. Many assume that they have no options when they encounter this type of situation. However, that is incorrect. If you notify law enforcement about the accident, they will begin investigating, reviewing evidence, and looking for the driver who fled the scene. While law enforcement does this, you can file a claim with your insurance company if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required in Washington, but individuals can only opt out if they submit a waiver in writing. Even if you do not think that you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it is recommended that you get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible to ask. If the hit-and-run driver is found, you can file a car accident claim against them to seek compensation for your losses.
3. Myth: Insurance companies have your best interests in mind.
Fact: Insurance companies never have your best interests in mind. Instead, they have one goal in mind, which is to reduce the amount of money that they have to pay you. Insurance agents may act understanding, friendly, and sympathetic toward your situation, but they are trained on what to say and how to act to get people to give statements that can be used against them.
You should always be very careful and cautious when speaking to insurance agents. If you have a Seattle car accident lawyer, they will handle all communication with the insurance companies for you. This is a good idea because they know and understand the tricks and tactics commonly used and will not fall for them.
4. Myth: You do not need to rush when taking legal action against the at-fault driver.
Fact: Many accident victims believe they can take their time and not rush when taking legal action against the at-fault driver. This may be because they are going through a difficult healing and recovery process or simply trying to rebuild their lives. While our attorneys know that people are busy and have a lot on their plate after an accident, you must take legal action as quickly as possible. The State of Washington gives car accident victims three years from the accident date to file a claim. If you do not file your claim in this given timeframe, you will lose the opportunity to hold the at-fault driver accountable and secure the compensation you need to cover your losses.
5. Myth: Minor accidents usually do not result in severe injuries.
Fact: Minor accidents can cause severe injuries. A lot of people think that minor fender-bender accidents or slow-speed parking lot crashes cannot result in severe injuries when compared to high-speed head-on collisions. However, the truth is that individuals can become seriously hurt after being involved in a slow-speed, minor accident. While many people do get out of the vehicle and only experience scratches, cuts, bruises, and swelling, their condition can become much worse in the coming days, weeks, or months, which could lead to permanent disabilities and long-term consequences that affect them for the rest of their lives.
6. Myth: You cannot file a claim if you contributed or were partly at fault for the crash.
Fact: If you contributed or were partly at fault for a crash, you can still file a claim and seek compensation for your losses. The State of Washington follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means that individuals who are even 99 percent at fault for the crash can file a claim and seek compensation for their injuries, medical bills, and other losses. However, before you file a claim, knowing that the percentage of fault you had in the accident will reduce your settlement is very important. For example, if the court concludes you were 65 percent at fault for a crash, your compensation will be reduced by 65 percent.
7. Myth: The first settlement offer you receive from the insurance company is usually fair.
Fact: Although you may be tempted to take the first settlement offer you receive from the insurance company, your car accident attorney will suggest that you refrain from doing so. The first offer is never fair or accurate based on your injuries, medical bills, lost income, and other losses. Insurance companies know that accident victims are desperate to start paying off their expenses and getting their lives back on track, so they always offer a low-ball settlement. While you may think that it is a decent settlement, your attorney might be able to help you secure much more money through negotiations.
The Seattle car accident lawyers from Smith McBroom have decades of experience helping clients with various car crashes. When you work with us, you can rest assured knowing that you have a tireless legal team who can do everything we can to help you obtain the financial recovery you deserve. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free consultation at our Tukwila office today.