After a car accident, what you think you know (but don't) can have some serious consequences for your case. Read on to learn about some accident situations that are full of misunderstandings.

You Can Trust the Insurer – Insurance companies seem trustworthy, and many have been around a long time. However, none of them, even our own insurer, wants to pay anything on claims. They would go out of business if they gave insurers what they deserved. Never rely on the insurer for the other driver to help you in any way. To that end, keep these tips in mind:

• Don't speak to the insurance company for the driver that caused the wreck for any reason.
• Never cash or deposit a check from the other guy's insurer.
• Never sign anything without speaking first to a personal injury lawyer.
• Never speak to the other driver for any reason after a wreck.

You Need Time – You don't have to make a move right away. After all, you need time to recover after something as traumatic as an accident and doing anything major for a while is ill-advised. However, keep in mind that you have only a certain amount of time to take action against another party. The statute of limitations in every state limits a victim's time to file a lawsuit so waiting too long is to be avoided. Speaking to a personal injury lawyer will ensure that you will file your case in time, however, so place that burden on your lawyer.

You Are Reluctant to Take Legal Action – It was an accident and the other driver never intended to cause the accident. However, they did and now you are owed damages. In most cases, it's not the driver you are taking action against but their insurer. That is what insurance is for – to pay victims for their losses. Don't let things get personal, it could prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve.

You Are Impatient – You may have heard that it can take months to take a personal injury case to court and that is correct. Just preparing to take a case to court can take many months. However, you don't necessarily have to go that route. Talk to your lawyer about settling your case. Accident settlements can be accomplished in weeks rather than months and you don't even have to appear in court or anywhere else. A settlement means the insurer is agreeing to pay you a certain sum of money right now to end the case. Be sure to use a personal injury lawyer for help with your settlement to avoid accepting too little for your damages.

Speak to a truck accident lawyer to find out more.