If you got hurt in an accident, you may be worried that suing for compensation is just going to take too much time. We understand that no one wants to deal with a long, drawn-out trial, but that’s why we tell our clients that not every case has to go that route. Personal injury cases don’t necessarily have to go to trial, and there are so many factors that can influence whether or not that’s where things end up. Just rest assured that our Sussex County spinal injury lawyers are ready to help you no matter what happens.
Do Most Cases Go to Trial?
In reality, most personal injury cases settle before reaching the trial stage. There is often a bit of back-and-forth, both sides negotiate, and usually an agreement can be reached. A trial can be expensive and time-consuming, so most insurers would rather avoid that in most cases. At the same time, many plaintiffs want their compensation as soon as possible. This creates incentives for both parties to settle.
What Can Make a Case More Likely to Go to Trial?
Some cases do go to trial though, and there are a number of things that can make this outcome more likely. You may have a hard time settling if:
There is debate about fault: If it’s hard to pin the blame on one party or it seems like both parties could be to blame for an accident, that can make it tougher to agree on a settlement.
You lack evidence: It can be difficult to get an insurer to settle unless you have a lot of evidence against the other party. Video footage, police reports, and witness testimony can all be helpful here.
You disagree about damages: Both sides may agree that an accident happened and they may even agree about who is at fault. However, an insurer might have different ideas about what kind of settlement would be fair. If they don’t offer you enough money to make up for what you have experienced, then it may be time to go to court.
Should I Take a Settlement or Go to Court?
Before going to trial, you should understand the potential benefits and drawbacks. You could get a larger verdict or you could get even less than the insurer is currently offering. You could even get nothing!
Your lawyer will advise you on what could happen in court and if going to the effort is worthwhile. This entire experience can be stressful too, so it’s important to think about whether you and your loved ones are up for it.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers
If you want to learn more about how a personal injury case might proceed, contact Laddey Clark & Ryan, LLP. We can tell you more about how our lawyers can help you build a stronger case and claim the compensation you deserve.
