If you're a vehicle owner, you likely are aware of the risks that come with being on the road. One of the biggest risks is getting in an automotive accident. Unfortunately, this can lead to time spent in court. When it comes to spending time in court, accident cases can last quite a while. According to On The Map Marketing, these trials can take about 20 months, as showcased by 2022 data. If you've been in an auto accident, you might have been told some myths that could end up costing you money. Here are five myths about auto accidents debunked.

1. If You've Had a Car Accident Injury, It Has to Be Visible

You may have heard that the only way to prove that you've been hurt in an accident is by having visible wounds. Any reputable auto accident lawyer will tell you that the previous statement is a lie. A lot of people have been injured in these accidents and have had injuries that were non-visible. Let's take whiplash, for example. It happens when your head whips back and forth after an incident, like being rear-ended by another car. There might not be any visible bruises, but it's still an injury, nonetheless.

2. You Can Only Be Injured if Your Car Is Damaged

No, your car doesn't have to look like it was in a 15-car pile-up on a NASCAR track. As previously mentioned, whiplash is an invisible injury, and it can happen even if there is barely any contact with another vehicle at all. If you can get medical records proving that this happened to you, then you stand a good chance of getting compensation. Don't let someone deter you from pursuing that by telling you that old myth.

3. The Pain Has to Come Right Away

There are multiple reasons why this statement is a myth. You could have been riding an adrenaline wave and only felt some form of pain later. You may feel good after assessing yourself, but you should still make sure that nothing flares up in the days after that. A successful auto accident lawyer will know that and tell you that you should monitor yourself in the coming days. They'll want you to keep them posted on your condition.

4. You Can See a Doctor Later

If there's one myth that we definitely don't want you falling for, it's this one. As we mentioned before, you might feel good immediately after the accident and then get progressively worse. You need to have a medical professional examine you and take some X-rays to make sure that you don't have any internal injuries that could cause major issues. It's also excellent to have this sort of paperwork in the courtroom, as this can help to block any issues with the other side.

There are a lot of other auto accident myths out there. They include myths such as needing to immediately move your vehicle from the scene or that you can file a claim anytime. There are statutes of limitation that could have your case dismissed if you file outside of those limitations. Another myth is that you can only settle in a courtroom. Not the case. Auto insurers can sort it out between themselves. You only go to court if you and the other party can't agree.

Being in an auto accident is incredibly stressful, and even traumatic at times, whether it's a minor one or one that you were lucky enough to make it out of alive. Don't let the other party manipulate you into giving up your right to get fair compensation by telling you myths. Stand up for yourself, do your research, and talk to law professionals. They will guide you on the best path to getting any money back. Then, you will find that any money you spend on them was well worth it.

Do you need an auto accident lawyer? If you've been involved in an automobile accident, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team of experts is here to assist you with anything you need. We've been in business for over 40 years. Contact us today for a free consultation. Our team at Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey is here to help you.