4 Common Misconceptions About Auto Accidents

Hopefully, you'll never be in a situation where you've been involved in an auto accident and need legal guidance. Unfortunately, auto accidents happen way too often--and there's always a chance you'll be involved in one, no matter how careful a driver you are. The good news is that you can protect yourself by being educated on some of the most common misconceptions drivers tend to have following an accident.

Insurance Will Cover Everything

In a perfect world, your auto insurance policy (or the other driver's insurance policy) would kick in and cover all the costs of your property damage, medical bills, and other expenses related to the accident after it occurs. In reality, insurance companies are often looking for ways to deny claims or pay out less than accident claims are actually worth. Even if you have full-coverage insurance, there's a chance that the other driver involved in the accident could be under-insured or not have insurance at all. This can make it much more difficult for you to achieve any financial recovery.

You Can't Make a Claim if You Were Partially At-Fault

Another very common misconception people have is that drivers don't have any right to file a claim if they are even found to be partially at-fault for the accident. In reality, most states (even states that assign fault for accidents) do not waive a driver's right to seek compensation for damages caused by an accident simply due to being partially at-fault. Be sure to research your state's specific laws regarding this, however, to be better informed.

It's Best to Accept a Settlement Offer

Receiving a settlement offer from the insurance company after an accident can be a huge relief, especially if you have medical bills or other expenses piling up. However, it's still important to make sure that your settlement offer is a fair one. It is not uncommon for insurance companies to low-ball their first offers in the hopes that the policy holder will accept it. In reality, you always have the right to contest the initial offer and go after a larger recovery.

You Don't Need an Attorney

If you plan on doing any litigation or filing any claims with an insurance company after an auto accident, it's always in your best interest to be represented. Working with an auto accident attorney who specializes in auto accidents will ultimately be your best bet at receiving a fair recovery.

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