“I thought the insurance company would handle everything after my accident.”
That single sentence captures one of the biggest misconceptions people in Willmar face after being hurt. It sounds reasonable that when you pay your insurance every month, you’ve been careful on the road, and now that you’re injured, you expect fair treatment. But what really happens is far from simple. There are rules, deadlines, and myths that quietly work against your case.
This blog uncovers four common myths that can easily weaken your personal injury claim in Willmar and how understanding the truth can protect your rights and compensation.
Myth 1: The Insurance Company Is on Your Side
It’s natural to think your insurance provider will step in and take care of everything after an accident. Their commercials make it sound that way. But once a claim is filed, insurance companies quickly switch to protecting their profits.
Adjusters may sound polite, even supportive, but their main job is to reduce the amount they pay you. They might ask questions that seem harmless but are meant to make your injuries sound less severe. Sometimes, they’ll even push for a quick settlement before you fully understand your medical condition.
The reality is, once you accept that settlement, you can’t go back for more, even if new medical issues appear later. That’s why it’s smart to speak with experienced Willmar personal injury lawyers at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law before agreeing to anything. They know how to handle insurance companies and make sure every detail of your injury and loss is valued fairly.
Myth 2: You Can Wait to File Your Claim
Time can slip away quickly after an accident. You might focus on recovery first, thinking the legal part can wait. Unfortunately, Minnesota has strict deadlines known as the statute of limitations. In most personal injury cases, you only have two years from the date of your accident to take legal action.
Miss that deadline and your right to compensation could disappear completely. It doesn’t matter how strong your case is or how serious your injuries are—the court won’t accept it once the time limit passes.
The best approach is to document everything early. Save all medical reports, receipts, and communications with insurers. Even if you aren’t ready to file immediately, having these records makes the process smoother and helps your lawyer build a stronger case when the time comes.
Myth 3: If You Were Partly at Fault, You Can’t Recover Anything
Many people give up on their claims because they think being partially responsible for the accident means they have no case. But Minnesota’s comparative fault rule works differently. You can still recover compensation if you were partly at fault, as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible.
For example, let’s say a distracted driver hit you, but you were driving slightly over the speed limit. A court might say you were 20 percent at fault. If your total damages are $100,000, you could still receive $80,000. That’s a significant amount to walk away from just because of a misunderstanding.
This is where proper legal advice matters. A lawyer can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and present facts that show exactly what happened. They make sure your side of the story is clearly heard and that your percentage of fault is calculated fairly.
Myth 4: Pain and Suffering Are Easy to Prove
Physical injuries are often visible. A broken bone or bruised arm is clear. But emotional pain, mental stress, and long-term trauma can be harder to prove, even though they’re just as real. Many people think simply stating that they’re in pain will be enough. Unfortunately, courts and insurers require solid proof.
Evidence for pain and suffering can include:
- Detailed medical notes from doctors or therapists
- Statements from family or co-workers who have seen your struggles
- Photos, videos, or journals showing the challenges you face each day
- Expert testimony linking your injuries to emotional distress
It’s not about exaggerating but about presenting a clear picture of how your life has changed since the accident. A knowledgeable lawyer knows what kind of evidence makes the most impact and how to organize it so it supports your claim effectively.
Final Word
If you’ve been injured in Willmar and aren’t sure where to start, it helps to have professionals who know exactly how to protect your rights. The experienced lawyers at Tyroler Leonard Injury Law have spent years helping local residents handle the confusion and challenges that follow an accident.
They understand Minnesota’s legal system and the realities of insurance negotiations, giving you the support you need to move forward with confidence. Mistakes can cost you more than just money. Don’t let these common myths stand in your way. The right guidance can turn a stressful situation into a fair and secure outcome.
