When it comes to learning about or handling personal injury claims, misinformation is everywhere. Many people rely on advice from friends, family, or social media without verifying the facts, leading to widespread misconceptions that start to sound like the truth. Unfortunately, these myths can create confusion about the legal process at best and discourage people from seeking justice after an accident at worst.
At MayesTelles PLLC, we want you to feel informed and confident about protecting your rights after someone else’s mistake has left you or a loved one seriously injured. That’s why we’ve taken a little time to clarify five common myths about personal injury claims in Arizona, giving you the knowledge to make informed decisions if you ever find yourself in such an unfortunate situation.
Myth #1: You Can File a Personal Injury Claim Anytime
The Myth: Some people believe there's no rush to file a personal injury claim after an accident, assuming that they can take action whenever it’s convenient.
The Truth: Arizona law imposes deadlines for personal injury claims under its statutes of limitations. Typically, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Failing to meet this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering damages by using the court system, regardless of how valid your case may be.
Additionally, specific situations, such as claims against government entities, have shorter filing timelines. To protect your rights, you should consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Acting quickly also helps preserve important forms of evidence that might have otherwise gone missing or changed for the worse. For example, witnesses' recollections will be fresher if your attorney talks to them sooner rather than later.
Myth #2: You Don’t Need a Lawyer to Handle a Personal Injury Claim
The Myth: A common misconception is that handling a personal injury claim on your own is simple. People often believe they can negotiate directly with insurance companies and achieve the same outcome as they would with legal representation.
The Truth: While it’s technically possible to represent yourself in a personal injury claim, doing so can result in serious complications and risks that would have likely been fully avoidable with an attorney’s guidance. Insurance companies have teams of experienced adjusters and attorneys working to protect their financial interests, often employing tactics to minimize or deny payouts. When they learn that a claimant is unrepresented, they know that they will have more room to maneuver and greater opportunities to try less-than-honest tactics.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help level the legal field. They understand how to calculate the full value of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. They also know how to negotiate aggressively and pursue litigation when necessary to secure the compensation you truly deserve.
Myth #3: You Can Only Claim Medical Expenses
The Myth: Some people assume that personal injury claims are limited to covering medical bills, believing other types of losses, such as lost wages or emotional distress, are not recoverable.
The Truth: Arizona law allows plaintiffs to seek a broad range of damages in personal injury claims.
Commonly, people who file personal injury claims in Arizona can seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (both current and future)
- Lost wages if they’re unable to work due to their injuries
- Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress
- Property damage if any items, such as a vehicle, were damaged in the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life if the injuries prevent them from enjoying activities they once loved
A skilled attorney can assess the complete scope of your losses, so all damages are accounted for in your claim.
Myth #4: Minor Injuries Aren’t Worth Pursuing a Claim
The Myth: If an injury seems minor at first, many believe it’s not worth the trouble to file a claim. This myth is often based on the assumption that small injuries won’t have a lasting impact or lead to significant compensation.
The Truth: What may appear to be a minor injury today could develop into a more serious issue over time. For example, soft tissue injuries or even concussions often worsen in the days or weeks following an accident. If you don’t file a claim, you might end up burdened with significant medical and financial problems later that you can’t try to correct through legal action.
Even if your injuries seem to be minor after an accident, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible for a checkup. They might diagnose a more serious injury than you first expected. Also, if you are certain that your injury was caused by someone else’s mistakes, no matter how seemingly minor the injury might feel at first, it is usually worth at least speaking to a lawyer during a free consultation about your legal options.
Myth #5: All Personal Injury Claims Result in a Lengthy Court Battle
The Myth: Some people avoid pursuing personal injury claims because they fear they’ll end up in a drawn-out court case. They imagine enduring months or even years of litigation before reaching a resolution.
The Truth: Statistically, the majority of successful personal injury claims are settled outside of court through careful negotiations with insurance companies. Skilled attorneys leverage their experience, resources, and reputations to resolve disputes efficiently, often avoiding the need for litigation entirely.
However, in situations where negotiations fail to yield a fair settlement, a competent lawyer can file a lawsuit and stand up for you in court. Remember, the goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through settlement or trial.
Know the Facts & Your Rights – Call Now
Understanding the facts about personal injury claims in Arizona can save you significant stress and make it easier to protect your rights if you’re ever in an accident. From knowing the importance of acting quickly to recognizing the value of professional legal representation, separating myth from reality is necessary for making informed decisions when you want to file a claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t listen to myths about what you can do about it. Instead, contact MayesTelles PLLC to speak with our highly experienced personal injury attorneys who help clients in Phoenix and throughout Arizona. In our firm’s history, we have won thousands of cases for our clients, and we would like to have the chance to see what we can do for your case.
Call (602) 428-7104 at any time to talk with our Phoenix personal injury team.