Besides being complex, personal injury cases are often subject to misconceptions that can create confusion or unnecessary doubt, lead to misunderstandings in the legal process, and even discourage victims from filing a lawsuit and seeking the compensation they may be entitled to.
Hopefully, this article will shed light on the truth behind such false beliefs to debunk the most common myths about personal injury claims. Below is more information! Our team also has insight on common car accident myths in NY.

It's Not Worth Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for Minor Injuries
Many people decide not to pursue legal action because their injuries seem minor. However, this is a common mistake. Sometimes, injuries can be more severe than victims initially believed or worsen over time.
In addition, even minor injuries can have long-term or life-changing consequences, including cumulative medical bills and more severe symptoms, such as disability, persistent pain, and psychological trauma.
It's important for victims to seek medical treatment as soon as possible and pursue fair compensation through the appropriate legal options.
Personal Injury Cases Can Be Easily Handled Without a Lawyer
Some New Yorkers choose to handle these cases on their own because this state operates under a no-fault system, but it isn't always a good idea. Personal injury claims can become more complex if victims' injuries exceed a specific threshold in terms of severity or if damages are beyond insurance coverage.
In such scenarios, having a legal professional by their side can help injured people prepare a strong case and increase their chances of recovering fair compensation.
A Personal Injury Claim Can Be Filed at Any Time
While victims won't lose their right to compensation if they don't file a personal injury lawsuit immediately, each state has a statute of limitations that limits how long people have to take legal action in these cases.
In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which include car accident cases, is usually three years from the date of injury. However, it's two years and six months for those involving medical malpractice and two years for wrongful deaths.
This timeframe can also vary based on specific circumstances. If the "discovery rule" is applied, the statute of limitations starts running from the date the injury was or should have been discovered.
For minors or people with legal disabilities, the deadline is counted down from the time they gain or regain their ability to make their own legal decisions.
Any Lawyer Can Handle a Personal Injury Case
Not all lawyers have the required knowledge to handle these cases. A professional attorney with extensive experience in personal injury law knows the legal system and can help victims understand their rights, overcome obstacles that may arise during the process, and fight for fair compensation for their injuries or damages.
Victims Can Only Recover Compensation for Physical Injuries
Physical harm is what victims usually notice first because it's typically more visible. However, many people suffer physiological and emotional injuries that can be so devastating or debilitating that they can affect their lives forever.
Some examples include depression, anxiety, loss of quality or enjoyment of life, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). All of these injuries may be eligible for compensation.
Legal Representation Is Too Expensive
Although many mistakenly believe that hiring an attorney comes with excessively high costs, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they get paid upon securing successful compensation through a settlement or court award. For more information, hire a personal injury lawyer on Long Island.
Insurance Companies Offer Fair Settlements for Personal Injury Claims
An insurance company may try to appear helpful, but the reality is that insurers won't protect injured people's interests but rather their business objectives.
Most of them make lowball settlement offers because they aren't willing to pay what the case is actually worth. That's why legal representation from an experienced personal injury lawyer is key.
Workers' Compensation Is the Only Legal Option Available for Workplace Injuries
People who sustain workplace injuries typically recover damages through workers' compensation insurance, but this isn't the only option.
Although employers cannot be sued, victims can take legal action and file a personal injury lawsuit against third parties (contractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, etc.) if they contributed to their work-related injuries or illnesses.
Injured People Cannot Recover Much Compensation If They're Still Working
In New York, personal injury compensation can cover more than just medical expenses and lost wages. Therefore, victims who haven't lost income or missed work can still recover damages, such as pain and suffering, future earning capacity, and loss of consortium or enjoyment of life.
All Personal Injury Cases Go to Court
Although some cases must be disputed through a jury or judge-led trial, most personal injury claims are settled out of court. Experienced attorneys often negotiate fair settlements through mediation or arbitration to avoid litigation and help both parties save money, time, and stress.
Injured People Cannot Recover Compensation If They're Partially at Fault
Since New York operates under a pure comparative negligence system, injured people can recover compensation even if they're found to be partially responsible for their injuries, but the payout will be reduced based on their percentage of fault.

Personal Injury Lawsuits Always Result in Large Payouts
Not all plaintiffs will receive a huge settlement check or be awarded a massive sum by the court. Compensation can vary based on different factors, such as the extent of victims' injuries and the amount of insurance available.
A professional personal injury attorney can help victims calculate how much their cases are worth to set a realistic expectation of how much money they can recover.
Final Thoughts
False beliefs add complexity to already intricate personal injury cases. By understanding and debunking the most common myths and working closely with an experienced attorney, victims can learn more about the legal process, make informed decisions during such difficult times, and increase their chances of success.
Contact the Law Office of Carl Maltese in Long Island, New York
At the Law Office of Carl Maltese, we offer legal guidance to victims who have been injured due to someone else's negligence or carelessness. If you're facing a similar situation and need help to seek compensation, contact us and schedule a free consultation. We're based in Long Island, New York!