Text Us 
Legally Reviewed By 
Table of Contents
Being injured in a car accident is bad enough but the many myths surrounding these types of cases makes it all the more complicated. Learn about the top 5 most common car accident myths and misconceptions. Courtesy of HG.org
MYTH #1: EACH STATE’S AUTO INJURY LAWS ARE THE SAME
Insurance rates are regulated by state-run agencies and vary widely from state to state. Some states require that you purchase liability insurance, some do not. Some states have no-fault law, while others have at-fault laws. No-fault laws tend to be widely misinterpreted by residents who find the details of who pays for what fairly confusing.
No-fault in its simplest terms means that regardless of fault, a car accident victim is entitled to certain benefits. For example, a person’s own auto insurance company pays for the economic loss from his injuries (medical bills and lost wages) after an auto accident, regardless of which driver caused the accident.
At-fault states take into account who was at fault for an accident, and to what degree, when determining what each person (and their insurance companies) will pay for injuries and property damage.
All of these factors affect an auto accident case including settlement offers, jury verdicts and even appeals.
MYTH #2: I CAN COLLECT PAIN AND SUFFERING DAMAGES SIMPLY FROM BEING IN PAIN
Some states have specific requirements that an injured car accident victim must first pass before she can recover non-economic (pain and suffering) damages from any automobile accident. This means that being in pain is not enough to receive compensation beyond your limited economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages. In order to qualify for additional non-economic damages in some states, the injured party has to have suffered any of the three types of injuries:
- Death
- Permanent serious disfigurement
- Serious impairment of body function
Explore our articles on car accidents to find valuable information about accident statistics and a step-by-step guide on what to do after a car accident.
Related Posts
-
Car AccidentsPedestrian Accidents3 mins READSafety Tips for Drivers & Pedestrians
Walking should be a safe way to get around, but pedestrian crashes continue to affect families across Virginia. According to DRIVE SMART Virginia’s annual report, which cites Virginia DMV data, 138 pedestrians died on Virginia roadways in 2025. Nationwide, 7,080 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2024—a 3.9% decrease from 2023, but still a...Read More -
Car Accidents4 mins READWhat to Do If You’re in an Accident on the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
An accident on the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel can create additional challenges beyond those of a typical car crash, from safely getting out of traffic to determining fault in heavy congestion. Knowing what to do at the scene, what evidence to preserve, and how to document your injuries and losses afterward can help protect a potential claim.Read More -
Car AccidentsPersonal Injury4 mins READHuffman & Huffman celebrates child passenger safety week
Every parent and caregiver wants to do everything possible to protect the children in their care. As a firm with multiple parents, child safety and well-being are always at the front of our mind, especially when traveling by car. Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week is September 20–26, with Saturday, September 26 recognized as National...Read More