The myths surrounding personal injury lawsuits range from the promise of a massive payout to the threat of crushing legal costs. To help you decide whether it’s a good idea to pursue damages for injuries received in a car accident, here are four common myths and the truth behind them.
1. Going to court isn’t worth the potential payout
Most personal injury cases don’t go to trial. They’re usually settled outside of court within two years of the accident. If your injuries require a long recovery with significant expenses, or if the at-fault party is hard to find, the case may go to court. Even with complicated claims, there are still opportunities to negotiate a settlement before a court date.
2. The at-fault driver won’t be able to pay the damages anyway
Under Alberta law, drivers must carry at least $200,000 in third-party liability coverage. This covers a driver found to be at fault for another person’s injuries. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or can’t be located, Alberta’s Motor Vehicle Accident Claims (MVAC) program will payout up to $200,000 for all claims related to the accident.
3. I can’t make a claim for injuries if it was just a fender bender
Don’t assume your injuries will be dismissed based on the damage done to your vehicle. Injuries can take weeks or even months to fully reveal themselves. Therefore, even if it seems like a minor accident, it’s wise to see a physician immediately to have your initial condition documented.
4. I could earn millions on my personal injury settlement
Hollywood may be to blame for this common misconception about large payouts for pain and suffering on car accident claims. In Canada, the Supreme Court only allows an injured person to claim $380,000 for pain and suffering. This amount is only rewarded for extremely debilitating injuries. However, in addition to pain and suffering, you may be awarded money for loss of wages, costs for future care and medical expenses that weren’t covered by insurance.
Hassle-free car accident claims in Calgary
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, trust the sincere and dedicated team at Stephens Holman Devraj to take care of your personal injury claim. They’ll handle the red tape and ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to. Our multilingual team has been serving Calgary for more than three decades. Contact us today to discuss your options.