Myths About Personal Injury Cases Part I

A Jag for a Jag

I’ve had numerous clients over the years who have had their super-expensive or rather large vehicles damaged as a result of another driver’s negligence. They want to obtain a similar Mercedes or passenger van as a rental replacement until their vehicle is repaired. The adverse insurance carrier usually will not pay the entire rental bill for these vehicles because an injured party has a duty to mitigate his or her damages. If, however, you need a van to transport your family of seven or a pickup truck in order to perform your business, these are exceptions to the mitigation rule.

My Case is Worth Three Times the Amount of My Medical Bills

The days of multiples of your medical bills are gone. Most insurance carriers, arbitrators and juries look at the nature of your injuries, the type of medical treatment, the frequency and duration of your treatment and your medical prognosis (and other factors) when deciding the value of your case.

In many cases, it would be nice if the value of your case was simply three times your medical bills. Consider, however, a facial scar with an accompanying bill of $500.00. In a case like this, you will be happy that your case value wasn’t a multiple of three.

The Other Driver Received a Ticket, Therefore, the Accident is All His Fault

The fact that the other driver was cited for the accident is usually not admissible as evidence in your personal injury case. Think about it. The officer probably didn’t see the accident occur so his or her decision to issue a citation is based upon hearsay. Officers can make mistakes. They may fail to identify or talk to an eyewitness or there may be a language barrier during the investigation. Over my years of practicing in the field of Plaintiff’s personal injury, I have successfully represented clients in accidents where no citations have been issued or even when my client was issued a citation!

My Case is Worth a Lot of Money Because I Could Have Been Killed

I have heard this statement quite often from clients and potential clients, especially those whose vehicles were rendered a total loss from the accident. Personal injury is a two-chapter book. The first is liability where you have to prove the other party was negligent. The second chapter is damages where you prove your injuries and that they were caused by the accident. Your mangled vehicle does not automatically establish a big payout for your injuries. You must get the necessary medical treatment to prove your injuries. 

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, motorcycle accident or pedestrian accident, reach out to the experienced lawyers at Select Law. With our extensive experience in the legal field, we know what it takes to win your case. Call us at (425) 891-6691 to arrange your free initial consultation with an experienced attorney (in person, phone, zoom or your residence/hospital)

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