We’ve talked about four common car accident myths that you are safe to ignore. However, those four were only a small fraction of all the fictions you might have heard presented as facts. In fact, you might have understandably believed some of these untruths. We’re here to help clear the air once again with four more car accident myths you’ve probably heard but shouldn’t believe.
Myth #5: You’re Guaranteed Some Compensation If You Aren’t At-Fault
This is a myth for most drivers in Texas. After a car accident, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage will kick in and pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other covered damages, no matter who caused your crash. However, PIP insurance is not mandatory, and you can waive it.
In fact, you probably did because PIP insurance has its downsides. In many cases, PIP coverage caps do not provide nearly enough to take care of all damages after a car accident, making the option undesirable. If you don’t have PIP coverage, then you will need to hold the other driver and their insurance provider accountable for your damages. This means you can stand to get a much greater amount of damages recovered in the long run, but you also have to fight for it.
Myth #6: Police Reports Will Prove Fault
Did the police show up to document your car accident shortly after it happened? That’s great news! The responding officers should write a report about what they saw and include any valuable statements from the parties involved. Yet, there is nothing that guarantees the report they write will prove fault.
Most of the time, a police report is factual and avoids speculation. A police report only becomes useful to your claim when it is in the hands of a talented car accident lawyer who knows how to make the most of what is written down.
Myth #7: Rear Cars are 100% Liable in All Rear-End Accidents
Were you rear-ended by a negligent driver while waiting at a stop sign? You might think you’re in some strange luck because it should make sense that they and they alone are liable for the crash. But the truth is drivers who rear-end other drivers are not always entirely liable for the accident. A front vehicle that cuts off other drivers, brakes erratically, merges dangerously, and so forth could be found partially or totally liable for a rear-end accident.
If you were hit from behind, you need to take steps to prove the rear driver wasn’t paying attention enough to brake in time. Oppositely, if you hit an erratic driver from behind and never had a chance to brake fully, then you could argue that the rear-end collision was their fault.
Myth #8: Hiring a Lawyer is Expensive
This might be the biggest myth on this list. Hiring a personal injury lawyer is not expensive. In fact, it can cost nothing depending on how your case pans out. Personal injury attorneys charge for their services on a contingency fee basis, which means they do not collect any payments for attorney fees unless they win their client’s case by securing a settlement, verdict, or award in any amount.
If your case ends out of your favor and you aren’t paid for your damages, then you don’t pay your personal injury attorney. Furthermore, contingency fees are based on a percentage of the money secured for the client. For example, if your injury claim is settled for $100,000 and your attorney was working for a 30% contingency fee, then they would be paid $30,000. In other words, you don’t have to pay for your attorney upfront and you never have to pay them more than you can afford.
Reliable Personal Injury Representation in Austin, Texas
At The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC, we are proud to be the trusted legal team for the wrongfully injured throughout Austin. If you’re feeling confused by all the myths and half-truths surrounding car accidents, you can come to us to help you make sense of what happened, and to help you decide what to do next. You may be able to file a successful car accident claim against the driver that hit you with our help. Call us at 512.271.5112 to learn more about your rights and options.
