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The Top 5 Myths About Personal Injury Claims In Arkansas

  • By: Bradley Mullins, Esq.
Magnifying glass over "Myths vs Facts" text.

In this article, you will learn:

  • What to expect financially when hiring a competent lawyer to handle your case.
  • What expectations you can have for your personal insurance rates after filing a claim.
  • How you can support your personal injury claim without any visible injuries.

Myth #1: You Need A Lot Of Money To Hire A Good Personal Injury Lawyer

Contrary to popular belief, hiring a competent personal injury lawyer in Arkansas does not require a lot of money. The truth is, injury claims lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay nothing upfront and your lawyer is only paid based on a percentage of what you are awarded from your claim.

Much like your real estate agent only gets paid once your house has officially sold, your lawyer will only be paid for your personal injury case once you have also been paid. In a nutshell, your lawyer will be paid a percentage of your injury settlement – but only if they are successful in helping you win your case.

Myth #2: Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney Won’t Change My Settlement Offer

While it wouldn’t be accurate for your lawyer to guarantee you any specific amount of money, they are equipped to gather and present your evidence in the most effective way to give you the highest potential for a large settlement.

Your lawyer may also be able to assist you in negotiating medical bills through health insurance subrogation, a process where your insurance company may be entitled to request reimbursement from any responsible parties for your medical expenses.

Ultimately, while it would be dishonest to say that a lawyer will definitely get you a higher payout, seeking competent legal counsel can put you in a much better position to walk away from your case with more money in your pocket.

Myth #3: You Can Accept A Personal Injury Settlement In Arkansas And File A New Claim For Additional Medical Bills Later On

Accepting a settlement for your injury claim releases the responsible party from all liability. This means that once you have successfully settled for your personal injury, you will no longer be able to file any claims against the defendant. For this reason, it is important to be sure that you are satisfied with the results of your settlement and consult with an attorney before accepting any offer.

Myth #4: Your Insurance Rates Will Go Up After Filing A Personal Injury Claim

According to Arkansas personal injury law, insurance companies are not permitted to raise your rates just for filing a claim. This does not mean, however, that your rates may not increase over time, as many rates are known to do.

In short: general rate increases are permitted by law, but your insurance company is not allowed to single you out for filing a claim you are not at fault for and raise your rates.

Myth #5: You Can Only Get Compensation Through A Personal Injury Lawsuit If Your Injuries Are Visibly Severe

Even though your injuries may not be clearly visible, it is very possible for you to still have a successful case. Regardless of how your injuries may appear, your doctor will be able to examine and properly assess your condition in ways that others cannot.

With proper documentation and diagnosis from your doctor, it is possible to have a favorable outcome for your case regardless of how your injuries may appear on the surface.

Our Mission Is To Fight For What You Deserve

It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to start with reasonable settlement offers but then reduce them to unfair amounts once upper management gets involved. If an insurance company offers significantly less than what you’re owed for your damages, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit.

Filing a lawsuit signals to the insurance company that you are serious about your claim. This often prompts them to return with a much better offer sometimes enough to cover your expenses and even leave you with additional compensation after reimbursing your bills.

While taking legal action can seem daunting, it’s an effective way to level the playing field. Often, the mere act of filing a lawsuit encourages renegotiation and avoids the need for a drawn-out court battle. Our mission is to fight for what you deserve and ensure you are treated fairly every step of the way.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

Don’t fight your personal injury case alone; if you need help navigating a Personal Injury Claim In Springdale, Arkansas, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (479) 337-7077 today.