The internet has a lot going for it. Easy access to valuable information is usually touted as one of the top advantages. There is a flip side though. It also facilitates the spread of misinformation at warp speed. Remember those informative and warning emails you used to receive and forward without checking sources? This has been largely replaced by article link sharing on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media platforms. Granted, very helpful information is shared everyday via the internet, but it’s important to take all this helpful advice with a grain of salt. And you should never act on legal information you found on the internet. Always speak with an attorney first. That said, let’s look at five common myths about car accidents that you likely heard about on the internet.
1. I don’t need to use a seatbelt if my car has airbags
This is an extremely dangerous myth. Seatbelts save lives and work hand in hand with airbags to keep you safe should you be in a car accident.
2. There is no need to go to the hospital after a car accident if I don’t believe I am injured.
It’s never a good idea to diagnose yourself, even if you’re a medical professional. But it’s always a good idea to get checked out by a doctor following a car collision. In many cases, the effects of an injury don’t appear until days or even weeks later. The shock of the accident may compromise your ability to think clearly and recognize symptoms. If you have internal injuries, delaying diagnosis and treatment can lead to damage and more severe consequences. Additionally, delaying an exam may be used against you by the opposing party if you do sustain injury and seek compensation.
3. My insurance company adjuster works for me.
Your adjuster works for your insurance carrier. His job is to protect the company’s bottom line by closing the claim quickly and inexpensively.
4. I need to give my insurance carrier three car estimates to get it repaired.
The insurance carrier’s appraiser will inspect your vehicle for damage and to determine whether repair is possible or if your car is totaled. They will provide you with estimates for the repair cost. You can then take your car to a repair shop of your choosing to have the work done. Your mechanic must contact the insurer for approval if he believes the work will exceed the initial estimate.
5. I can handle my car accident claim just as well as a lawyer would.
An experienced Louisiana car accident lawyer has years of schooling and hundreds, if not thousands, of cases in his background to draw upon when negotiating a settlement or trying a case in court. He thoroughly understands the applicable laws and how best to apply them on your behalf. He is familiar with the carriers, the courts and the system. You lack this knowledge and experience, and your judgment is likely to be clouded by your personal involvement in the case. A skilled personal injury attorney is the best option for a beneficial outcome after a car accident.
