Misconception 1: I have insurance, I don’t need a lawyer.
It is important to remember that insurance companies are running a business for profit. An initial offer from the insurance company to settle your claim will almost always be less than the full amount of your coverage and may not be enough to cover your medical bills and other expenses. The insurance company employs trained claim adjusters, investigators and attorneys. Not only is attempting to negotiate with the insurance company on your own a bad idea, but statements you make to them could potentially harm your claim. It is in your best interest to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your claim and negotiate with the insurance company.
Misconception 2: I can just wait and hire a lawyer later if I need one.
Delaying hiring a lawyer to represent you has the potential to seriously harm your claim. Evidence necessary to assist in your claim may disappear with time and the sooner you obtain an attorney, the stronger is the case they can build. Practically speaking, a personal injury lawsuit must comply with applicable statute of limitations. In Ontario, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the incident from which injury arose. Also, remember that if you accept insurance money or any offer from the insurance company, you forfeit your right to file a lawsuit based on the same incident in the future.
Misconception 3: Hiring a lawyer is too expensive.
The reality is that if you have been significantly injured, you may not be able to afford to NOT hire a lawyer to represent you. After an injury, you are probably already dealing with medical bills, lost income and other expenses such as property damage. Our experienced personal injury lawyers at Krylov Lam & Company offer free consultations for new clients. Furthermore, our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means the client pays nothing unless we obtain a settlement or verdict at a trial in your favour. If we don’t recover for you, you are not responsible for any costs or fees.
Misconception 4: I don’t want to sue someone, it feels wrong.
Pursuing a claim or lawsuit is your right. The legal process of filing a lawsuit is there to protect people who have been wrongfully injured. Also, realize that the money recovered doesn’t come out of another individual’s pocket, it comes from the insurance company that the person pays monthly premiums to for this type of situation.
Misconception 5: It will take forever to resolve my case.
The length of time it takes to resolve a case largely depends on how complex it is, but many cases settle before a lawsuit is ever filed.
Misconception 6: My divorce, family or estate lawyer can handle my personal injury case.
Lawyers are much like doctors in that they generally have a focused practice area. Just as you wouldn’t ask your general physician to perform heart surgery on you, you shouldn’t trust a lawyer who isn’t focused on personal injury law to handle your injury claim.
At Krylov Lam & Company, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to handling personal injury claims. Call us today at 1 844 649 0003 to set up your no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
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