Is It Better to Settle Your Car Accident Case Outside of Court?

If you are considering whether or not to bring a case to court after a car accident, you may be wondering whether or not it is worth the extra time and legal fees. When it comes to car accidents, most cases never actually reach a courtroom and instead are settled after enough pressure from the legal representatives of the plaintiff on the liable party’s insurance company. An insurance company will not likely risk its public image in order to deny the obvious (i.e. partial or total liability).

However, there are some cases in which it may be wise to bring a case to court. For example, if you sustained any serious injuries from the accident, you may not know the long-term costs at the time of settlement, or maybe the liable party refuses to give up any money without a putting up a fight. In the former case, you may receive more in compensation if you go to court; in the latter, your only choice may be to go to court.

Considerations to Make

The biggest concern when considering taking a car accident case to court is whether or not you will receive fair compensation. Of course, there are benefits to either route, but here are some things you may wish to consider before making that decision:

• Time: One of the biggest questions to ask is how much time a settlement will take versus a lawsuit. A settlement will not take as much time, and you are likely to receive compensation much sooner. Should you take your case to court, you may be subject to the timeline of the court, and each next hearing may be weeks away.
• Energy: Taking any case to court can be exhausting, even with the help of litigators. As a plaintiff, you may not wish to add any stress to your situation by dealing with the courts. A settlement saves you from the tensions you might experience in front of a judge and jury.
• Payout: In financial terms, a settlement may be the most attractive option, as you are given assurance that you will receive compensation for your injuries. However, if you bring the case to court, your fate is left in the hands of the judge or jury, and you may not receive the compensation you may have received from a settlement. On the other hand, if you do take the case to court, you will have had time to better understand the extent of your injuries, and the compensation you receive may be greater than if you had settled. As the plaintiff, you may wish to risk no compensation at all for the chance of a higher payout.

So, Should You Settle or Take the Case to Court?

There is no easy and immediate answer to this question. Each and every case is unique, and you have a right to choose which course of action is best suited to your needs. If you are unsure about which course of action is best for you, you may wish to consult a team of qualified legal advisors who can assist you in making a decision that will give you the best possible outcome. The lawyers at Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler, & Hovsepian are well experienced in serving clients across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk Counties, and throughout the greater Tampa and St. Petersburg area. We can advise you on your options and help you make the decision that is best for you and your financial future.