14 Common Myths About Car Accidents Debunked

Myth: Seat Belts Are Unnecessary for Short Drives

The notion that you're safer on short trips or routes you know well is completely false. In fact, most fatal crashes occur within 25 miles of home at speeds of less than 40 mph. Many are within five miles, on familiar roads.

There is never a time when it is safe to drive without a seat belt. Every time you’re behind the wheel, remember to buckle up.

Myth: Hands-Free Devices Make Phone Use Safe While Driving

Keeping your hands on the wheel doesn't eliminate the distraction of using technology. The real problem is cognitive distraction. Your brain can't fully focus on driving when you're having a phone conversation, whether the phone is in your hand or not.

Studies show that reaction times slow significantly during phone conversations, even hands-free ones. While hands-free phone use is legal in Minnesota, the safest option is to avoid phone use altogether while driving.

Myth: Red Cars Get Into More Accidents

This is an old myth, and a stubborn one. There's no scientific evidence supporting car color as a factor in accident rates. Insurance companies do not charge higher premiums for red cars, which tells you everything you need to know. Accident rates are tied to driver behavior, road conditions, and vehicle safety features, not paint color.

Myth: Bad Weather Causes Most Accidents

Contrary to popular belief, most collisions actually happen in good weather conditions. The real culprits are overconfidence, speeding, and distractions, not rain or snow.

Drivers tend to be more cautious in bad weather, which actually reduces serious accident rates. It's the sunny days when people let their guard down that prove most dangerous.

Myth: Newer Cars Are Always Safer Than Older Ones

While new cars often come with the latest safety features, they're not automatically safer than older models. An older car in good condition with updated safety equipment can be just as safe as a brand-new vehicle.

Proper maintenance and safe driving practices are more important than the age of your vehicle. Regular inspections, working brakes, good tires, and functioning lights matter more than having the newest model.

Myth: Good Drivers Don't Get Into Accidents

Unfortunately, even the most cautious drivers can be involved in accidents. You can follow every traffic law perfectly and still get hit by someone who runs a red light or swerves dangerously between lanes. Weather conditions, road quality, mechanical failures, and the mistakes of other drivers are all factors beyond your control.

This myth is dangerous because it creates a false sense of security for drivers. It can also make victims feel like an accident was partially their fault when another driver bears the blame.

Myth: You Don't Need to Report Minor Accidents

There's no such thing as a truly minor accident. Even what seems like a small fender bender should be reported to the police and documented properly. This creates an official record that can be crucial later if injuries appear or disputes arise about what happened.

In many states, you're legally required to report accidents that result in injuries or property damage over a certain amount. Failing to report can create legal problems down the line.

Myth: You Should Always Move Your Car After an Accident

While getting vehicles out of traffic flow is sometimes necessary for safety, moving your car can destroy important evidence about how the accident happened. The position and location of the vehicles are crucial for accident reports and determining fault.

If you're on a busy highway where staying put creates a serious hazard, move to safety. But if the accident occurred in a safer location like a side street or parking lot, leave the vehicles where they are until police arrive and document the scene.

Myth: If You Feel Fine After an Accident, You're Not Injured

This is one of the most dangerous myths out there. Many serious injuries don't show symptoms right away. Whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding can take hours or even days to manifest. Adrenaline from the accident can mask pain and other warning signs.

Always seek medical attention after any accident, even if you feel fine. A medical professional can assess you for hidden injuries and provide documentation that's crucial if you need to file a claim later. Waiting too long to get checked out can hurt both your health and your legal rights.

Myth: If You're Partially at Fault, You Can't Recover Compensation

In Minnesota and many other states, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for an accident. This is called comparative negligence. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you're not automatically barred from recovery.

For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could still recover $80,000. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and maximize your recovery.

Myth: If the Other Driver Has No Insurance, You're Out of Luck

If you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you can still file a claim with your own auto insurance company. This is where your uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage come in. These coverages are designed to protect you when the at-fault driver doesn't have adequate insurance.

Myth: Insurance Companies Will Treat You Fairly

Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts. They may offer quick settlements far lower than you deserve or use your own words against you to reduce their liability.

Never accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney first. Once you accept, you typically can't go back and ask for more, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than you thought.

Myth: Minor Injuries Don't Require Legal Representation

Even injuries that seem minor at first can lead to significant medical bills and lost wages. What starts as a sore neck can develop into chronic pain requiring months of treatment. Insurance companies know this and will try to settle your claim before the full extent of your injuries becomes clear.

An experienced car accident attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive compensation that accounts for your full recovery, not just your immediate expenses.

Myth: Working with an Attorney Would Cost Too Much

Many accident victims avoid contacting an attorney because they worry about legal fees. The reality is that your attorney should work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don't pay anything upfront, and you don’t pay anything at all unless your case is successful.

When you do win your case, the attorney's fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or award. There's no out-of-pocket cost to you. And in most cases, having an attorney will increase the total compensation you receive, even after legal fees are deducted.

Why These Myths Matter

When people make decisions based on false information, accidents become more likely and more severe. Understanding the truth about safety helps you make better choices that protect yourself, your family, and your community. It also helps you recognize when you have legal rights after an accident caused by someone else's negligence.

Your Rights After an Injury

If you've been injured in a car accident or workplace incident caused by someone else's negligence, you have rights. At SiebenCarey, we've helped Minnesota injury victims for over 70 years. We know how to investigate cases, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Don't let myths and misconceptions put you at risk or prevent you from getting the help you need after an accident. Contact SiebenCarey at 1-800-4-RIGHTS for a free consultation or request your free case evaluation below.