Car accidents are stressful enough without all the misinformation floating around. Unfortunately, believing the wrong thing about accident claims could mean walking away with way less money than you deserve. At Benavidez Law Firm, we’re here to clear up some of the biggest car accident myths—so you don’t get shortchanged.
Myth 1: “I don’t need a lawyer for a minor accident.”
Think a small fender bender isn’t a big deal? Think again. Even minor accidents can lead to hidden injuries and expensive car repairs. Insurance companies love when people assume they don’t need a lawyer—it makes their job of paying you less a whole lot easier. Before accepting any settlement, talk to an attorney to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table. Not sure if settling is the best option for you? Check out this guide on settling vs. going to court.
Myth 2: “Insurance will automatically cover all my damages.”
Here’s the harsh truth—insurance companies are not in the business of paying you what you actually deserve. They’ll look for any excuse to cut your payout, whether it’s blaming you for part of the accident, minimizing your injuries, or dragging out the process until you give up. Having a lawyer in your corner means someone is fighting to get you every dollar you’re owed.
Myth 3: “If I feel fine, I don’t need medical attention.”
Right after an accident, your adrenaline is running high, which can mask pain and injuries. Some issues, like concussions or whiplash, can take hours or even days to show up. Skipping the doctor not only puts your health at risk, but it also gives the insurance company an easy excuse to say you weren’t really hurt. Many people don’t realize they have a traumatic brain injury until symptoms start affecting their daily life. If you’ve been in an accident and are experiencing headaches, dizziness, or confusion, read more about how TBIs can go unnoticed here. Could You Have a Traumatic Brain Injury Without Realizing It?
Myth 4: “I can’t file a claim if I was partially at fault.”
Good news—even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you can still recover money. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means as long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still get compensated. Your payout just gets reduced based on your percentage of fault. An attorney can help make sure blame isn’t unfairly shifted onto you.
Myth 5: “I have plenty of time to file my claim.”
It’s easy to put off dealing with a claim, but waiting too long could cost you. In Georgia, you have two years to file a lawsuit, but the sooner you start, the stronger your case. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and insurance companies will use any delay against you. Don’t risk missing out on the compensation you deserve.
Know the Facts & Protect Your Rights
Misinformation can cost you thousands. At Benavidez Law Firm, we make sure that doesn’t happen. If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t rely on myths—get the facts and the legal help you need.
