Common Reasons Car Accident Cases Don’t Go to Trial

Every year, there are thousands of automobile crashes in the United States. Many of these crashes result in devastating physical injuries, debilitating emotional pain, and severe financial losses.

While an injury claim could help allow someone to receive compensation for their losses, individuals often do not want to deal with the hassle of litigation on top of the stress of recovering from injuries. In these cases and many others, settling can be a great option. There are several common reasons car accident cases don’t go to trial, and a skilled attorney could help you determine if a settlement is the best option for you.

Trials are Expensive

Many claimants are willing to settle their claims for less than their full value because of the high expense of litigation. Preparing to bring a case to trial is very costly. Attorney fees can add up, and in some cases, expert witnesses will need to be paid as well. In certain instances, settling a case could make more financial sense for the injured party.

Juries Can Be Unpredictable

Even the most experienced attorney can never guarantee how the jury will rule. Individual members of a jury may not believe the claimant’s version of the events, or they may even have an unexpected bias. Even if a jury rules in a claimant’s favor, they may not award the full compensation amount that the injured party was seeking. Despite popular opinion, jury verdicts are not always significantly higher than pretrial settlements. A claimant might wish to avoid the uncertainty of a jury trial and accept a guaranteed settlement instead.

The Trial Process Can Be Lengthy

Going to court is a long process. Claimants and their attorneys have to follow precise procedural pretrial steps, and they have to wait until their case comes to trial. Defendants, their attorneys, and their insurance companies might try to delay the case with stalling tactics such as continuances. Some court cases can take several months or even years before there is a final court decision. Even after the court has made a decision, the defendants can appeal.

A claimant facing significant financial troubles might wish to settle their claim sooner in order to pay off their medical bills and other debts. They might not have the resources to wait for a lengthy trial, in which case settling may be the best option for them.

Discuss Car Wreck Trials and Settlements with a Skilled Attorney

Court cases can be expensive, unpredictable, and time-consuming. Often, claimants and their families feel it is in their best interest to accept a settlement rather than pursuing litigation.

Before accepting a settlement offer, it is always best to speak with an experienced local attorney. Insurance companies frequently try to settle claims for less than they are worth, and a skilled attorney could help a claimant obtain a full and fair settlement. Call today to discuss your potential case with a knowledgeable legal professional.