Myths About Car Accidents
There are many myths out there about car accidents. This article debunks five of the most common myths about car accidents.
Myth #1: You Cannot Get Seriously Injured if You Are Wearing a Seat Belt
Indeed, seat belts have saved many lives and prevented many injuries over the years. However, it is not true that you cannot get seriously injured if you are wearing a seat belt. What is true is that wearing a seat belt can reduce your chances of suffering a severe injury. According to the CDC, seat belts reduce the risk of serious injury among drivers and front-seat passengers by 50% and the risk of death by 45%.
Myth #2: If You Feel Fine After a Car Accident You Don’t Need To See a Doctor
This is far from the truth. You should see a doctor after a car accident even if you feel fine. Even if you believe you are not injured, you need to see a doctor after an auto accident. The truth is that sometimes car accident injuries take time to manifest. For example, a traumatic brain injury may take time to manifest. Fortunately, if you see a doctor soon after your accident, they can conduct diagnostic testing, which can help you detect the injury early. If you fail to see a doctor after an accident, you might realize you suffered an injury when the injury has gotten worse.
Myth #3: A Minor Accident Cannot Cause a Serious Injury
It is not true that a minor accident cannot result in a severe injury. Just because an injury seems minor does not mean it is. An injury that seems minor might be an indication of a more severe condition.
Myth #4: You Will Automatically Recover Compensation if You Suffer Severe Injuries in a Car Accident
The truth is that, for you to recover compensation after suffering a severe injury in a Florida car accident, you first need to file a personal injury claim. After filing your claim, you need to negotiate with the insurance company. If you and the at-fault party’s insurance company cannot agree to a settlement, you might need to take your case to court so you can recover compensation. Fortunately, an attorney can help you with negotiations and/or litigation.
Myth #5: You Cannot Recover Compensation if You Are Partly To Blame for Your Accident
In Florida, you may still be entitled to compensation even if you are partly to blame for your car accident. This is because of Florida’s comparative negligence law. Nevertheless, you must note that if you are partially at fault for your car accident, your recovery of damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your recovery of damages will be reduced by 20%.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Feel free to reach out to us if you want to know how our Fort Myers personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you or your loved one after a car accident.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Ocala, Orlando, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, and West Palm Beach areas.
Resource:
cdc.gov/transportationsafety/seatbeltbrief/index.html#:~:text=Among%20drivers%20and%20front%2Dseat,of%20serious%20injury%20by%2050%25.&text=Seat%20belts%20prevent%20drivers%20and,a%20vehicle%20during%20a%20crash