When people think about personal injury lawyers, several thoughts and myths often come to mind. One of the most persistent is the notion that individuals who contact personal injury attorneys, are merely exaggerating their claims. This blog aims to dispel the myth that only fakers call personal injury attorneys, and shares the importance of seeking legal advice after an accident.
The Misconception
It’s not uncommon for individuals in St. George and surrounding areas to hesitate in reaching out to a personal injury attorney. There’s a fear of being labeled as a “faker” or someone just in it for a payout. However, experience shows that this hardly ever the case.
Reality in Southern Utah
At McMullin Injury Law, we’ve seen firsthand that this stereotype is not reflective of most people in our community. While it is true that some individuals might exaggerate their claims, they are very much in the minority. In fact, it’s rare—perhaps one in a hundred.
More commonly, people in Southern Utah tend to downplay their injuries. They might avoid calling a lawyer even when it’s wise to do so, fearing judgment or not wanting to “make a big fuss.”
Why People Hesitate
The culture in Southern Utah leans toward resilience and independence. Many prefer to handle issues themselves rather than seeking help, which includes matters of health and legal concerns after an accident. This can lead to underestimating the situation and potentially foregoing deserved medical support and fair compensation.
Understanding the Emotional Aftermath
Beyond the physical injuries, many accident victims struggle with emotional trauma that they may not immediately recognize. Anxiety about driving, sleep disturbances, and depression are common after serious accidents. These psychological impacts are legitimate components of personal injury claims, yet many people dismiss them as “just stress” rather than acknowledging their real effect on quality of life.
Hidden Costs of Injuries
What many people don’t realize is that the true cost of an injury extends far beyond immediate medical bills. Future medical expenses, physical therapy, lost earning capacity, and modifications to your home or vehicle can add up to substantial amounts. Without proper legal guidance, accident victims often accept first-offer settlements that only cover their current expenses, leaving them vulnerable to financial hardship down the road. Working with an attorney can ensure you get the financial help you need for current injuries and potential ongoing ones.
The Risk of Underrepresentation
For those injured in accidents, failing to seek legal assistance can result in unfavorable outcomes. Handling insurance claims can be complex, so working with an injury attorney can guarantee the compensation you deserve. Experienced attorneys can help navigate the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Timing Matters in Personal Injury Cases
One critical factor many people overlook is the importance of seeking legal advice promptly after an accident. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may become harder to locate, and insurance companies often push for quick settlements before the full extent of injuries becomes apparent. Consulting with an attorney early in the process ensures that crucial evidence is preserved and your case is properly documented from the beginning.
Overcoming the Stigma that Only Fakers Call Personal Injury Attorneys
It’s important for those affected to know that reaching out for legal advice is a responsible step.
Don’t let the misconception that only fakers call personal injury attorneys deter you from exploring your legal options. Whether injured in a car accident in Southern Utah, or dealing with a different type of personal injury, getting professional legal help can make a significant difference in how your case is resolved.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Transcription
We’re going to do some personal injury law, myth busting. People oftentimes have misconceptions about what personal injury lawyers do, and one of those that I hear a lot here locally in southern Utah is that we tend to think that people who might call personal injury lawyers after a crash, maybe we label ’em as fakers, or they’re milking it, they’re looking for something-for-nothing type of folks. And I’ve been doing this in southern Utah every day, all day for 12 years. And I got to say, that is possible. That exists. There are some of those people in southern Utah that is extraordinarily rare.
We’re talking one out of a hundred people that calls our office probably on average, is somebody who has any amount of exaggeration of what they’re going through, at all. It’s far, far more common locally here in southern Utah that people who are having some injuries or some pain or some problems after an accident and could really benefit from better understanding their insurance claims, getting some help from an attorney to navigate the process that they don’t call because they don’t want to be labeled as a faker.
What happens is we, in southern Utah, we do the opposite. We downplay what we’re going through. We’re the type of folks who, we don’t want to go to the doctor unless we’re bleeding. We don’t want to make a fuss about things make a big to-do. So most of us are that way, and we think that other people are the opposite. And what I can tell you from doing this over the course of 12 years and helping literally thousands of people through this process in southern Utah, is that 99% of us look at that exactly like you do.
We don’t fake anything, just extraordinarily rare. Maybe in other markets, maybe Vegas, maybe it’s opposite. I don’t practice there. And so I’m not sure, and I get that same feeling when I drive through Vegas and see all those thousand billboards. It makes it seem that way. So I get it. But I can tell you that here our concern is really the opposite. It’s that people that really should be calling and getting help from an injury attorney after a crash oftentimes don’t.
