If you have been in a trucking accident in Hollywood, Homestead, or any South Florida community, there may be a few myths which could hurt your recovery. Some of these myths could harm you financially or could harm your health, so knowing the facts is important:
Myth #1: I feel fine after my accident, so I wasn’t injured.
The Truth: Symptoms after a car collision injury can take hours or even weeks to develop. Of special concern are soft tissue injuries and head injuries. Soft tissue injuries such as whiplash can cause serious mobility and pain issues, but it can take days or weeks to develop symptoms. Head injuries can be life-threatening and you may not feel any symptoms for an hour or more.
If you have been injured in a car crash, visit a doctor or emergency room for a full check-up. Keep an eye on your symptoms and get an immediate medical evaluation if you develop any new symptoms.
Myth #2: My insurance agent cares about me and will take care of me.
The Truth: Insurance companies spend a lot of advertising money to show customers they care. Individuals employees for an insurance company may want to help, but make no mistake: the goal of the insurance company is to make money for shareholders. While insurance professionals may be good people, their primary loyalty is to the company and shareholders. If you have been injured, always review any offer of compensation with a jaded eye.
It can also be helpful to work with a personal injury attorney in Hollywood or your community. An attorney who works for you is legally obligated to work in your best interests and will have the insurance knowledge to negotiate a fair settlement for you.
Myth #3: I don’t need a lawyer to get a fair settlement.
The Truth: You are not legally required to work with an attorney when filing an insurance or legal claim, but an attorney’s training and experience can help you secure a fairer settlement. An attorney understands the laws and can properly evaluate how much your case may be worth. They can also work with medical consultants and other professionals to build the strongest case for you, increasing the chances of a successful outcome.
Myth #4: My injury was relatively minor, so my costs won’t be that high.
The Truth: Even if you think your injuries weren’t “that bad,” they can end up costing more than you think. Let’s say you break your arm, for example, and are expected to full recover. Your broken arm may end up costing you more than you expect, because you may need to pay for:
- A taxi if your car is damaged (or if your arm means you can’t easily drive)
- Someone to help you out at home if you can’t care for your family, clean, or prepare meals
- Time off work, if your injury prevents you from working
- Replacement for your cell phone or any other possessions injured in the crash
- Your emergency room visit
- X-rays and other diagnostic tests
- Subsequent doctors’ visits
- Transportation to those visits
- The cast
- Any pain medication you will need
- Physiotherapy or rehabilitation after the cast is removed
- Counseling if your traffic accident has caused trauma
These costs can easily add up to tens of thousands of dollars or more. Even if you have medical insurance and health insurance, all these expenses may not be covered. An attorney can help you understand how much your injuries are likely to cost and can help you review any legal options you have for compensation.
Do you need to speak to a truck collision attorney in Hollywood or anywhere in South Florida about your traffic crash? Contact Flaxman Law Group for a free case consultation to discuss your options.