There are a staggering number of auto accidents each year. Driving-Tests.org reported that more than 6.7 million police-reported car accidents occurred in 2019, the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many of these accidents result in personal injury lawsuits.
If you have been in a serious accident, you may be contemplating going to court. But you likely won’t see a courtroom. Very few car accident cases ever go to trial. This fact surprises many.
So why is it that most accident lawsuits end up getting settled out of court?
Why Most Car Accident Cases Don’t End Up In Court
As with most things, the decision to settle a lawsuit rather than go to court often comes down to money, and it might be financial concerns by the defendant, the plaintiff, or both. Here are the primary financial reasons that keep most accident lawsuits out of a courtroom.
Insurance Companies Prefer a Settlement Over a Trial
When it comes to a car accident lawsuit, it is cheaper for the insurance companies to settle the lawsuit than pay costly lawyer fees to argue the case in court.
Just because the insurance companies want to avoid lawyers does not mean you should as a victim. A lawyer can ensure you get a fair settlement from the insurance company.
A Trail Has More Risk Than a Settlement
Anyone suing for car accident damages must understand that a trial does not guarantee more compensation or any compensation. If an offered settlement is fair, a trial is probably not worth the risk of winning a lesser amount.
A lawyer can advise you on the fairness of any offer you might receive and best advise you when a trial is necessary.
Some Victims Can’t Afford To Wait for a Trial
Most accident victims do not have the financial luxury of waiting for a trial. They have incurred expenses that are already costing them money, such as medical costs and the cost of repairing or replacing their car.
A car accident settlement can happen rather quickly, especially if you hire a lawyer. While you could win more going to trial, mounting bills might make a settlement necessary. A lawyer can advise you on the best course of legal action.
If your car accident case does make it to trial, read this page to learn more about what you can expect from a court trial.
Have You Been In An Auto Accident?
If you have been in a serious accident, you should consider hiring a lawyer, even if your case does not end with a car accident trial. A lawyer can negotiate the best settlement for you and protect your rights.
Find a law firm that can guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve for any personal injury to you and damage to your vehicle. Most accident attorneys work on contingency and will not charge for their service unless you win.
For more tips on car accident cases, visit our site’s Service & Business section.
