When facing the aftermath of a severe Texas car or truck accident, accurate information is your most valuable asset. Insurance companies often present incomplete information about your rights and options, particularly in cases involving the life-changing circumstances caused by the negligence of their client and what your settlement should cover.
Don’t believe the myths about catastrophic injury claims. At Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group, we believe informed clients make better decisions about their legal options. Our Plano personal injury lawyers address typical misunderstandings and give you the facts to move forward with confidence.
Table of Contents
Debunking 5 Common Myths About Texas Catastrophic Injury Claims That Could Cost You Thousands
Understanding your legal rights and options after a serious accident can be like learning a new language. Let’s demystify the process.
Myth 1: The Insurance Company Will Take Care of Everything
Many people trust insurers to handle claims fairly, but this isn’t always the case. The reality proves far more complicated.
Here's a typical scenario: After a devastating collision on I-45—one of the most dangerous interstates in the nation—a truck accident victim receives a quick settlement offer of $50,000 from the at-fault party’s insurer—sometimes within days of the incident. This amount seems substantial at first until medical specialists determine a few weeks later that the victim needs multiple surgeries and years of physical therapy, ultimately costing over $500,000. Had they accepted that initial offer, they would have been responsible for paying hundreds of thousands in medical bills on their own.
When you work with the catastrophic personal injury legal team at Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group, our experience helps us recognize when insurance companies use tactics like:
- Requesting unnecessary documentation to delay your claim.
- Pressuring you to give recorded statements that could harm your case.
- Making early settlement offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
- Suggesting that your current symptoms relate to pre-existing conditions.
- Downplaying the severity of your injuries or questioning prescribed treatments.
Myth 2: I Don't Need a Lawyer If Liability Is Clear
Even when another driver obviously caused your accident, securing fair compensation requires much more than simply proving fault. Many Texas car and truck accident victims discover this too late after critical mistakes have already impacted their claims.
At Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group, we've seen how insurance companies complicate even seemingly straightforward cases. So we’re diligent about not only establishing negligence but also proving the full extent of your injuries through detailed medical documentation and expert testimony. This becomes especially important when dealing with injuries that may not be immediately visible, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage.
There are many steps to take after experiencing a catastrophic injury—but while you’re recovering, there’s only so much you can do. This is when having a legal team you can count on really matters.
Myth 3: All Catastrophic Injuries Result in Million-Dollar Settlements
Many people believe that these claims automatically lead to massive payouts, fueled by news headlines about rare multi-million dollar verdicts. While our team has fought for and won substantial settlements for our clients, the reality is that each catastrophic injury case is unique, with compensation based on specific factors.
For example, two people with similar spinal cord injuries might receive vastly different settlements based on:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries.
- Your age and life expectancy.
- Your occupation and earning capacity.
- The cost of current and future medical treatment.
- The need for long-term care or assistance.
- Available insurance coverage limits.
- The strength of evidence linking your injuries to the accident.
- The jurisdiction where your case will be heard.
Make no mistake: we’ll use every aspect of our 60 years of experience to fully evaluate all your economic and non-economic losses and structure a case for injury compensation that covers immediate and long-term needs. But we’ll also be totally transparent about what you can hope to recover.
Myth 4: My Claim Will Take Years to Resolve
Each state has a different deadline, known as a statute of limitations, by which you must file a personal injury claim. For example, in Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas, it’s two years from the date of the accident, but in Missouri, it’s five years.
However, it’s important not to wait. Having skilled legal representation often speeds up the process. While complex cases have an extensive timeline, many settle without going to trial.
Myth 5: I Can't Afford Legal Representation
Some people avoid seeking legal help after such a devastating crash because they worry about the cost. However, most catastrophic injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront, and that we only get paid if we secure a settlement for you.
This arrangement ensures everyone has access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. It also motivates us to work diligently to maximize your recovery, as our success is directly tied to yours. So don’t let myths about catastrophic injury claims prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve.
