Know the Facts Before It’s Too Late
Every day, people suffer severe personal injuries in accidents caused by the negligence of others. These accidents include everything from motor vehicle collisions, defective product malfunctions, slips and falls due to improperly maintained walkways, dog bites, and the list goes on and on.
Many of the people injured in these accidents decide to sue various defendants in efforts to recover damages and financial compensation. Depending on the specific circumstances of each case, a personal injury claim may be a very viable option.
Unfortunately, many myths and misconceptions exist regarding the personal injury claim process and what it entails.
If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else, it is very important to clarify fact from fiction regarding personal injury claims before it is too late. Here are a few of the common myths and misconceptions out there that require some clarification.
My Insurance Will Take Care of Everything, So I Do Not Need a Personal Injury Attorney
Even if you have good insurance, you should not assume that your insurance company will cover all possible damages you may have such as pain and suffering or lost wages.
Moreover, all insurance companies involved (yours as well as that of the at-fault party) will not necessarily pay everything you claim as a related expense. Insurance companies will do everything to pay as little as possible to resolve the matter. However, unlike an insurance company representative, whose job is to protect the company’s interests above all else, a personal injury attorney represents your interests and works on your behalf to obtain the compensation you deserve, including for pain and suffering and other damages.
I Have Plenty of Time to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Many people who suffer personal injuries in an accident caused or potentially caused by the negligence of others wrongfully assume that they have all the time in the world to hire a personal injury attorney in New Jersey. This is a misconception that can destroy any case you may have against another party.
Time is of the essence in personal injury matters for a number of reasons, including but not limited to the following.
- It is most effective and helpful to gather evidence, including photographs, witness interviews, etc., as soon as possible after the incident.
- It is important to hire legal representation before communicating with any insurance company representative. You do not want to give any statements to a company rep before consulting with an attorney, as such statements may be detrimental to your case.
- The New Jersey Statute of Limitations for personal injury actions is two years. That means that you have a limited amount of time for an attorney to evaluate your case and initiate a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs.
Even After I Settle My Case, the Defendant’s Insurance Company Must Still Pay My Medical Expenses Related to the Accident
It is quite unfortunate that many people believe that the defendant’s insurance company will cover accident-related bills and expenses even after a settlement agreement is reached. This is simply untrue 99% of the time. Insurance companies settle cases in order to resolve claims completely and with finality. Once the parties reach a settlement agreement in a personal injury case, it is highly unlikely that any expenses incurred after the effective date will be covered.
This is one of the many reasons it is so important to hire a competent, experienced personal injury attorney early in the process and before you enter into any settlement agreement.
Petro Cohen, P.C. – A Law Firm That Takes Personal Injury Personally
At Petro Cohen, P.C., our personal injury attorneys represent many accident victims. We take personal injury personally! We have a reputation for fairness and strength, and we fight for full and fair compensation for our clients. Let us clarify any misconceptions you may have about your case and the process before it is too late.
The lawyers at our firm will handle your personal injury needs, such as auto accident injuries, construction litigation, and premises liability with the dedication, respect, and focus you should expect from your legal representation. Our trained attorneys and staff take the time to carefully listen to your individual story, working hard to obtain settlements for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering, and to help bring you closure. We have handled thousands of personal injury cases with successful outcomes for our clients.
With years of combined legal experience, firm attorneys Susan Petro, Rich Gaeckle, and Michael Veneziani have successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases for clients throughout Southern New Jersey. Additionally, Petro Cohen law firm was named to the prestigious U.S. News & World Report & Best Law Firms in America® list in New Jersey for Personal Injury in 2017.
If you think you may have a personal injury claim, call or contact us online today for a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We have offices in Northfield, Cape May Court House, Cherry Hill, and Hamilton, NJ. For your convenience, you can contact all four of our offices Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM until 5:30 PM, with an answering service for after hour calls. Our Web site is open 24/7 with Live Chat available and you may e-mail us at any time at info@petrocohen.com
We can be reached by phone at 888-675-7607, or you can complete our online form. And rest assured, we will take your personal injury case personally!