Common Legal Myths Debunked: What Californians Get Wrong About Their Rights Posted by Ron Morgan on May 27, 2025 Navigating the legal system can be confusing, and many Californians operate under misconceptions that could hurt their ability to seek justice. Whether it’s employment disputes, personal injury claims, or business litigation, believing in legal myths can prevent people from taking action when they have a valid case. At Steering Law, we’re committed to educating our community and ensuring individuals know their rights. Below, we debunk some of the most common legal myths in California and explain why seeking expert legal advice is crucial. Myth 1: “If I’m Injured in an Accident, the Insurance Company Will Fairly Compensate Me” Reality: Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts—not protecting your best interests. Many injured victims accept lowball settlement offers, not realizing they’re entitled to much more for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. What You Should Do: Never accept a settlement without consulting a personal injury lawyer. Keep detailed records of medical treatments and expenses. Let an attorney negotiate on your behalf to maximize compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact Steering Law for a free case evaluation. Myth 2: “Employers Can Fire Me for Any Reason—California is an At-Will State” Reality: While California is an at-will employment state (meaning employers can terminate employees without cause), there are major exceptions. Firing someone for discriminatory reasons (race, gender, disability, age, etc.) or retaliation (whistleblowing, reporting harassment, taking protected leave) is illegal. What You Should Do: If you suspect wrongful termination, document everything (emails, witness statements, performance reviews). Know that retaliation for reporting illegal activity (like wage theft or unsafe conditions) is prohibited. Consult an employment lawyer to determine if you have a case. Were you fired under suspicious circumstances? Steering Law can help you fight back—schedule a free consultation today. Myth 3: “If I Didn’t Sign a Contract, I Can’t Sue for a Breach” Reality: Verbal agreements can still be legally binding in California, especially in business dealings and employment. However, proving these cases can be challenging without written evidence. What You Should Do: Save emails, text messages, and witness statements that support your claim. Understand that oral contracts can sometimes be enforced, depending on the situation. A business litigation attorney can help assess whether you have a valid case. Facing a broken agreement? Let Steering Law review your options—reach out now. Myth 4: “I Can’t Afford a Lawyer, So I Should Handle My Case Alone” Reality: Many law firms, including Steering Law, work on a contingency fee basis (you pay nothing unless we win). Additionally, free consultations allow you to understand your rights before committing. What You Should Do: Never assume legal help is out of reach—many attorneys offer flexible payment options. DIY legal filings often lead to missed deadlines or weak arguments. A skilled lawyer can secure a much higher settlement than you could alone. Don’t let fear of cost stop you from seeking justice. Contact us for a no-obligation case review. Myth 5: “If I Wait Too Long to File a Claim, I Can Still Sue Later” Reality: California has strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) for legal claims: Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of injury (shorter for government claims). Employment Discrimination: 3 years (under FEHA). Breach of Contract: 2–4 years, depending on the agreement. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to sue forever. What You Should Do: Act quickly—even if you’re unsure about your case, consult a lawyer ASAP. Preserve evidence (photos, medical records, witness contacts). Time is running out—if you’ve been wronged, call Steering Law before it’s too late. Know Your Rights – Get Expert Legal Help Today Legal myths can cost you money, opportunities, and justice. Whether you’ve been injured, wrongfully terminated, or misled in a business deal, Steering Law is here to help. Why Choose Steering Law? ✅ Free consultations – No risk, no obligation. ✅ Experienced attorneys – Specializing in employment, personal injury, and business disputes. ✅ No win, no fee – You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Don’t let misinformation prevent you from fighting for what you deserve. If you or someone you know has been affected by any of these issues, contact Steering Law today for expert legal guidance. 📞 Call Now for a Free Case Evaluation Your rights matter – let us help you protect them.
