4 Reasons to Avoid Online Information About Car Accidents & Personal Injury Cases

Naturally, when people need information in today's society, an internet search is often the first solution. Search engines can provide a lot of valuable information and connect users to a plethora of content. Unfortunately, for every great page of internet information, there is a lot of false information.

If you've been involved in a car accident, then you may decide to hop online and find out more info on possible personal injury cases and compensation for your injuries. Ideally, you want the information as much as possible. The only true information you should consider is a direct discussion with a personal injury attorney.

Learn all of the reasons you should avoid false information online and why those details could completely change your perspective about a personal injury case.

1. Location Matters

When you search the internet for car crash injury cases, your search will include an expanded area that includes multiple states. The information you read about car accident cases in Connecticut will vary from cases in a state like Florida. The location matters greatly in a personal injury case.

Every state has different laws when it pertains to personal injury suits. Some states could have limits on compensation or limits on the amount of time it takes to file a personal injury claim. If you read broad search results, you may come across misinformation that does not apply to your state.

Even when you search in the state, elements get broken down into different districts and areas. For example, you may find different personal injury laws apply to areas like a public road or private property like a shopping center parking lot.

Professional advice is the best way to move forward with your case. You do not want to make assumptions that impact the way your case moves forward.

2. Settlement Amounts Vary

One of the main elements people become drawn to in personal injury cases is the amount of money an injured person receives in a settlement case. Settlement amounts will vary, and the examples you find online will not represent true outcomes. You may read personal stories of settlement amounts or find legal websites that tout some of the bigger settlements.

You cannot have a set number in your head because so many factors go into the situation. The settlement amount that you read is not always direct cash in the pocket either. Instead of directly charging clients, personal injury lawyers will work for a percentage of the settlement amount. The percentage varies and depends on whether a case goes into litigation and whether to trial or not.

Along with the lawyer fees, settlement amounts may go directly to medical bills from the incident. Other fees and costs could apply as well. So when you read settlement amounts online, you should take them with a grain of salt.

3. Online News Outlets & Sensationalism

If your online resources include news outlets, you still are not getting the bigger picture when it comes to personal injury claims. Many claims are settled out of court for undisclosed amounts. News outlets like to report on the ends of the spectrum when it comes to personal injury cases.

If a person gets awarded a large sum of money, then that amount will catch the attention of viewers and become a big story. If a case goes to trial, events from the trial could become a part of the news. While the cases are real, the news outlets seek higher ratings and viewers, so they will only pick from the most dramatic options.

Avoid online news about personal injury lawyers when you pursue your own case. You cannot compare those cases or use any of the facts to apply to your own personal situation.

4. Unrealistic Expectations

As you read about cases online, you may find out how long cases took, what the lawyer experience was like, and how some cases went to trial. Every single case is different and you will set yourself up for disappointment if you have unrealistic expectations. Even something as simple as the insurance company you work with can make a difference in your case.

The best way to begin your case is through direct contact with a lawyer. A personal injury attorney will often give you a free consultation. Instead of searching your questions online, use the consultation to present any questions you have. The direct information will eliminate any false pretenses you have and give you direct answers.

After the free consultation, you will have a better idea of your personal injury case process and the laws that surround your specific case details.

For more information on personal injury cases, contact us at Jeeves Law Group, P.A. We have years of experience with personal injury law in Florida and can provide you with professional information. Avoid a deep dive full of misinformation and legal advice that may be wrong. Our initial consultation is free and will include direct attorney contact.