With the general public deriving knowledge about the legal system from hearsay and social media outlets, it’s not at all surprising that many legal myths have gained common acceptance. Here are just a few that we find noteworthy.
- “All contracts must be in writing.”
- Contracts must only be in writing when:
- The promise is made on consideration of marriage
- It is an agreement to pay off the debt or default of another person
- The contract cannot be performed within one year
- It involves the sale of goods for the price of $500 or more
- It’s for a sale of in-lane or a lease lasting for more than one year
- Contracts must only be in writing when:
- “The car that rear ends another is always at fault.”
- Not true. If you slam on your brakes on the highway with no traffic in front of you, it’s probably your fault you got hit
- “Pedestrians are at fault if they are not in a crosswalk.”
- Crosswalks are a good idea, but not a legal requirement
- “My case is worth three times my medical expenses!”
- We don’t know where this myth started, but your case is worth whatever it costs to provide you full and fair compensation. The price of an emergency room visit doesn’t tell anyone how hurt someone is.