Miami— In cities with a vibrant Hispanic presence—such as Miami, Houston, New York, and Orlando—the Latino community serves as the engine driving the economy.
However, following a traffic accident or an unexpected incident, many families face a second tragedy: misinformation.
Deeply ingrained myths regarding insurance exist that, far from offering protection, can trigger devastating financial crises.
“One of the most common mistakes is believing that the at-fault party’s insurance will automatically cover all medical expenses and property damage. The reality is stark: the responsible party’s insurance company has only one objective—to protect its client’s interests and its own capital, not the victim’s well-being,” explains Jany Martínez-Ward, Founding Partner and Director of The Ward Law Group.
However, it is important to understand that, “ultimately, it does fall to that insurer to cover the damages caused. The difference is that this rarely happens automatically or completely without proper legal representation; having a lawyer can be key to ensuring the victim receives the fair compensation they are entitled to.”
Contacting the opposing insurer directly without legal counsel is often the biggest mistake one can make.
“They focus on policy limits and exclusions to minimize compensation, leaving families with unmanageable medical debt and lost income,” the expert adds.
For immigrant or first-generation families, the legal system can be intimidating. Many choose not to take action due to three primary fears, according to Jany Martínez-Ward’s professional experience:
-Policy rate increases: There is an unjustified fear that filing a claim will automatically cause the cost of their own insurance to rise.
-The cost of the process: People assume that seeking justice requires thousands of dollars upfront, when the reality is that many firms—including ours— work on a contingency basis (based on results).
-The language barrier: A lack of clear information in Spanish makes the process confusing and creates a sense of “shame” or timidity when asking necessary questions.
A claim should not be viewed as an “additional problem,” but rather as the only legitimate path toward justice. To navigate this system, it is vital to have attorneys who not only speak our language but also understand our culture and the specific challenges we face in this country.
“Before signing any document or accepting a quick settlement offer from an insurance company, educate yourself. Knowing your rights is the best tool for protecting your family’s assets and future. Do not let a myth become your financial ruin; justice is a right, not a privilege,” concludes the expert.
Jany Martínez-Ward is a personal injury attorney with over 15 years of experience defending the rights of accident victims in Florida and New York.
She is the founder of The Ward Law Group, widely recognized as one of the most trusted law firms in Florida for victims of car accidents.
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@janymartinezward –
Notistarz – Photo: Jany Martínez-Ward
