If you have been in an automobile accident, you may be wondering if you file a lawsuit or settle your car accident injury claim. While the best choice for you depends on the details of your case, each avenue has advantages. Allow us to break it down for you.
Imagine you are in the hospital with a serious injury because another driver decided that the rules of the road did not apply to them. Maybe you don’t need to imagine. The good news is that, even if you decide that you need to file a lawsuit to cover your injuries and related costs, most of the time people settle out of court.
Whether you are suing the insurance company or the driver responsible for your pain and suffering, here are a few things you should know about this critical decision.
Advantages of Settling Before Going to Court
Settling your car accident injury claim before filing a lawsuit has certain advantages. For instance, if you need money fast to cover your bills, settling can get you the cash you need.
If you decide not to file a lawsuit, you can also avoid attending multiple lengthy court appearances over several months. One situation in which you might want to settle without filing a lawsuit is if your injuries are minor without the possibility of getting worse without treatment.
There is also the possibility of losing in court if you decide to take your case to trial. If you are worried about this outcome, you should consider accepting an offer. Speaking to an attorney about your case can help you determine whether you should take this route.
Advantages of Going to Court for your Car Accident Injury Claim
In some cases, you might decide that it is in your best interest to seek compensation with a lawsuit. For instance, if your injuries are severe and the likelihood that you will need ongoing, continuous care to make a full recovery, you are usually better off taking the other party to court so that you can receive full compensation for unforeseen medical costs and lost wages.
You might also get the sense from the insurance company or the other driver that they are not taking your case seriously. If they make an offer that does not seem to take your pain seriously, a lawsuit can force their hand.
Here’s another advantage of filing a lawsuit for your car accident injury claim: you can always decide to settle after putting some pressure on the opposing side. Just because you take someone to court does not mean you have to go through the entire litigation process.
Need Help with Your Car Accident Injury Claim?
Have you been hurt in an accident? At RRBH Law, our attorneys take care of our clients. If you have questions about your case, get in touch with us today to set up a consultation.