Common Personal Injury Legal Myths, Debunked

If you are injured in an accident that is no fault of your own, you may be entering into unfamiliar territory. In the face of a traumatic event to you or your loved one, dealing with all that comes with a Connecticut personal injury case can understandably be overwhelming. Here are some common myths that can come up during the personal injury litigation process that we’d like to debunk:

Myth: I can’t afford a lawyer.

You do not need to pay upfront to hire us.  ACK Injury Law takes cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not get paid until and unless you get the compensation you deserve. Our compensation is a percentage of the overall recovered amount, and that percentage is set by Connecticut law. We advance claim costs and do not bill for our time or take a retainer. You should never make any upfront payments or write any checks to a personal injury attorney. At the end of the case, we give you money. 

Myth: If I hire a personal injury lawyer, I will need to go to court.

Most cases do not go to trial and most clients will never see the inside of a courtroom.  It is absolutely essential, however, to hire an attorney who is willing to go to trial should the case require it.  Insurance companies know which attorneys and firms are willing to try their cases, and the attorneys and firms willing to do so usually get better and more substantial pre-trial offers to settle their clients’ cases.  At ACK Injury Law, we pride ourselves on the fact that we prepare every case for trial. We find that detailed level of preparation and strong advocacy results in many cases resolving before a trial for fair and substantial sums.

Myth: The Insurance Company Will Take Care of My Claim For Me

Insurance companies are not your advocates – the insurance company’s priority is to spend as little money as possible on any claim you may have. It may also be the case that you’ll need to file a claim with your own insurance company to access uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage benefits that you pay for.  Generally speaking, as soon as a lawyer gets involved, the insurance company knows they will be paying substantially more money than they will to unrepresented individuals.  That is why, if you are injured, you need a Connecticut personal injury lawyer who will effectively advocate on your behalf. 

Myth: I can file a claim/lawsuit anytime

This is false. When injured, an important consideration in assessing your legal options is the deadline in which you can bring a claim—that is called the statute of limitations.  Adhering to this deadline is crucial in securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Statutes of limitations are set by the Connecticut State Legislature and determine the date by which you must file a lawsuit. If you do not file a lawsuit within the date range allowed by the applicable statute of limitations, you will be forever barred from bringing your claim. Therefore, it is imperative that you contact a Connecticut personal injury lawyer to prosecute your case within the applicable statute of limitations.

Myth: Every attorney is the same.

No two attorneys are the same. Every attorney has their own unique skill set, expertise, and style of practice. At ACK Injury Law, every case is handled by our entire trial team, which has recently been ranked as one of the best law firms in Connecticut by Best Lawyers.

If you are injured in an accident, that injury can affect your physical health, emotional well-being, and financial security. Even what you may consider a small injury may not seem like a big deal at the time, but could have a profound and lasting impact on your health and ability to work going forward. It’s recommended that you speak with a Connecticut personal injury attorney after sustaining any injury. Contact ACK Injury Law for a free consultation about your situation, visit our website or call us at (860) 754-3222.