Don't Fall for These Rochester Personal Injury Myths 

Believing Them Could Cost You Everything 

After an accident, most people feel extremely stressed out. You're dealing with pain, medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. It's a lot to handle. On top of that, there's a whirlwind of misinformation about personal injury claims that can make things even more confusing.  

The personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, routinely debunk common myths for injured clients that are often holding them back from getting the compensation and justice they deserve. It’s one of the many benefits of working with one of the best law firms in America on your personal injury case. 

The Shocking Truth About Injury Cases No One Wants You to Know 

"Personal Injury Cases Are Only About Money" 

It's easy to think that personal injury claims are just about chasing a payday. But that's not the whole story. Yes, compensation is a part of it. Getting your medical bills covered, your lost wages paid, and other expenses compensated are a major aspect.  

A personal injury case is also about holding the responsible party accountable and preventing others from suffering the same fate. Our Rochester lawyers are focused on getting justice and making sure negligence doesn't go unchecked. 

Compensation from a personal injury claim often covers: 

• Medical expenses, including future treatments 
• Lost wages due to missed work 
• Pain and suffering caused by the accident 
• Emotional distress and reduced quality of life 

Far from being just about money, bringing either a personal injury claim or lawsuit is a surefire way to make sure someone who was wrongfully injured can heal and rebuild their lives after a traumatic event. 

"Insurance Companies Will Give You a Fair Settlement Offer" 

We'd all like to think that insurance companies have our best interests at heart. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Insurance companies are businesses aiming to protect their bottom line. They might offer quick settlements that don't fully cover your expenses. Without having an experienced attorney at your side, even for an accident that wasn’t your fault, you might end up accepting less than you deserve. Remember, their goal is to minimize payouts, not to ensure you're fully compensated. 

Here’s what insurance companies might do to reduce payouts: 

• Offer a lowball settlement hoping you'll take it 
• Delay the claims process to pressure you into accepting less 
• Dispute the severity of your injuries 
• Use statements against you to deny or reduce your claim 

This is why having the Rochester personal injury lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, on your side can make the difference of whether you fully recover the compensation you deserve. 

"If You Were Partially at Fault, You Can’t Recover Damages" 

Accidents are rarely black and white. Maybe you think you were partly to blame, and that belief stops you from seeking compensation. In New York, the law operates under a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were mostly at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you're not barred from recovery. 

Don’t let this myth prevent you from pursuing a claim. Say for example you were found to be 30% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 30%. Or, even if you were 70% responsible, you can still recover 30% of your damages 

Don’t just assume because you might’ve been partially at fault that you don’t have a case. Taking the time to speak with an injury lawyer at Horn Wright, LLP, is the only way to truly confirm you know the full extent of your rights. 

"You Don’t Need a Lawyer for a Personal Injury Case" 

Some folks believe they can handle a personal injury claim on their own. While it's possible, it's not advisable. Personal injury law can be incredibly complex, and insurance companies have experienced adjusters and their defense attorneys that are working full time to protect their bottom line. Without an attorney, you’re likely to miss out on the compensation you're entitled to.  

Take a car accident case for example. An experienced car accident lawyer can help by: 

• Investigating the accident and gathering crucial evidence 
• Calculating the true value of your claim 
• Handling negotiations with the insurance company 
• Representing you in court if necessary 

Without an attorney at your side, you risk settling for far less than what you need to recover fully. Even if you thought at first you could go it alone, it’s really never too late to contact a lawyer for a personal injury case. 

"All Personal Injury Cases Go to Trial" 

The thought of a lengthy court battle can put a pit in the stomach of most people. The reality is most personal injury cases are settled out of court. Through negotiations and alternative dispute resolution like mediation, many claims are resolved without the client ever seeing a courtroom. Don't let the fear of a trial prevent you from seeking justice. 

Remember: 

• Over 90% of personal injury cases settle before trial 
• Settlements often happen faster and with less stress 
• Trials are only necessary if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount 

Our team of attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, will fight to get you a fair settlement on any case, but we’re also prepared to take the case to court if needed to protect your rights. 

"Filing a Lawsuit Means You’re Greedy" 

Seeking compensation for your injuries isn't about greed; it's about fairness. You're facing medical bills, lost income, and other expenses because of someone else's negligence. Filing a lawsuit is a way to hold the responsible party accountable and to secure the resources you need to move forward. It's about making sure you're not bearing the financial burden of an accident that wasn't your fault. 

People file personal injury claims to: 

• Cover medical expenses and lost income 
• Recover the value of their vehicle if insurance wasn’t enough to cover it 
• Get justice for their suffering 
• Hold negligent parties accountable 
• Prevent similar accidents from happening to others 

There’s nothing greedy about seeking fair compensation—it’s about protecting your future. 

The Truth Hurts—But Ignoring It Hurts More 

Ignoring the facts won’t make them go away. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to get the justice and compensation you deserve. Myths like these are designed to keep you powerless—don’t let them win.  

At Horn Wright, LLP, we cut through the nonsense and fight for what’s right. Our team is here to hold the responsible parties accountable and get you the financial relief you need to move forward. You deserve the truth, and you deserve justice.  

Don’t wait. Contact our Rochester law office today and let us take that stress off your shoulders.