There are millions of accidents that occur in the U.S. every year, and millions of people who suffer from injuries as a result of those accidents. A personal injury attorney may be a good option for some of those people involved in accidents, but unfortunately there are some common misconceptions that might leave some people without the representation they deserve.

“Personal injury attorneys are expensive”

Some people avoid hiring a personal injury attorney after an accident because they are concerned about the cost. While some attorneys do charge an hourly rate, most personal injury attorneys are willing to work with you so you will only pay if they are able to win a settlement. That payment will come out of the settlement, so you only pay if you win. If they are unable to recover any money, in most cases you won’t owe a dime.

“I can just work with the insurance company on my own”

This is a common misconception that many people believe—that the insurance company will do the right thing and pay you the money you deserve so they take the first offer from the insurance or decide to try it alone. The insurance company wants to make money, so they have a full staff of attorneys who are working to make sure that you get the smallest possible settlement. Trying to do it alone often results in lower settlements or not getting money for the treatments you need.

“I’m not interested in taking anyone to trial”

Most personal injury cases actually don’t ever go to trial, but are settled out of court. The job of an attorney is to ensure that you get proper treatment for all your injuries and medical needs, as well as compensation for lost wages and other expenses related to your accident. The attorney is there to make sure you get a fair settlement.

“My injuries aren’t really that bad” 

Car accidents can have significant and long-lasting consequences, and sometimes you might not notice the injuries immediately following the accident. Some people are also hesitant to seek treatment believing that the pain will just resolve on its own. Hiring an attorney can ensure that even if you seek treatment in a few months, you will still be able to get proper compensation from the insurance.

“Personal injury attorneys are only for people who want to make easy money”

Hiring a personal injury attorney is not a sign that you’re just trying to get an easy payday, but that is a common misconception that causes some people to not seek the help of an attorney. It’s also not the case that hiring an attorney will harm the person who caused the accident; it is the insurance company that will be paying, not the individual.

If you have been injured in a vehicle or other accident, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney in Salt Lake City. They can let you know if they believe you have a case and help you get the compensation you deserve.