If you have never been in a car accident, you might not realize that most of these cases end up being resolved in a settlement, outside of court, often without anyone ever filing a lawsuit. Depending on the circumstances of your case, there will be some advantages and disadvantages attached to settling outside of court or going to trial. Since no two personal injury cases are alike, it is important to understand the difference between these two options and how they might apply to your case.
Settling Outside of Court
There are several reasons why one might choose to settle a car accident case outside of court, including a chance at obtaining compensation sooner, a desire to avoid appearing in court or facing an unpredictable jury, and wanting to save on legal fees.
The issue with settling too quickly is that you might not know the extent of the injuries you sustained and if they will require further treatment, or result in any lingering or permanent damage. Once you accept a settlement offer, you will not be able to reopen your case if you later realize it was not enough to compensate you for your injuries or other costs associated with the accident.
That said, you can still settle outside of court with the assistance of an attorney who is experienced in negotiating with insurance companies and will be able to accurately value your case. This will allow you the benefits of avoiding a trial, without risking the possibility of an unfavorable verdict. If your case does not involve particularly large damages, an insurance company is likely to engage in reasonable negotiations that will produce a fair resolution.
Going to Court
Of course, in some cases, insurance companies are far from reasonable and your only chance at obtaining just compensation is to go to court. Keep in mind that, even when your case reaches this stage, you do not lose the ability to settle your lawsuit. If the insurance company realizes that your case is too strong and would rather avoid an unfavorable verdict, they might make an offer that adequately compensates you for your pain and suffering.
Memphis Car Accident Attorneys
If you were involved in a car accident and sustained injuries due to someone else’s negligence, now is the time to seek skilled and experienced representation. At Reaves Law Firm, PLLC, our Memphis car accident attorneys are here to inform you of your legal rights and help guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim and are prepared to fight for you in or out of the courtroom. Even if you are unsure if you have a claim, reach out to us and we will happily review your case.
Contact our firm today at (901) 352-0333 to schedule a free initial consultation.
