When attempting to recover compensation after suffering a personal injury, it is important to know what to expect. You will likely be wondering if you will need to take your case to court or if there is a possibility for an out-of-court settlement. The truth is that the vast majority of personal injury cases end up settling outside the courtroom.
At Rand Spear, we have a long history of securing favorable settlements for our clients. Furthermore, if your case does end up going to trial, we also have a proven track record of winning big for our clients in court. Reach out to us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team.
Why Most Personal Injury Cases Settle
Most personal injury cases never make it to court for the simple reason that it is in the best interest of both parties to seek a settlement deal.
Pros and Cons of a Settlement for the Plaintiff
For the accident victim, there are many benefits of settling out of court. One of the primary reasons to push for this option is that it presents an option to recover money from the liable party far sooner than would be possible if you went to court.
Another key benefit of reaching a settlement agreement is that you won’t have to worry about the unpredictable nature of a jury trial. Even if your case seems to be airtight, there is always the possibility that things could go astray when you put your fate into the hands of a jury. Settling will provide you with the assurance that you will recover compensation for your losses.
The main drawback to taking a settlement deal is that you won’t recover as much money as you might if you won your case in court. However, the extra money you could potentially receive is rarely worth the gamble that you might walk away with nothing.
Pros and Cons of a Settlement for the Defendant
In addition to not having to worry about the fickle nature of a jury, taking a settlement deal presents other benefits for the defendant as well. One of the main perks of reaching an agreement is that they can end their case quicker and avoid spending more money on legal fees.
Another reason to settle is that doing so will protect the defendant from the unwanted media exposure that can accompany a trial. This can be especially important if the party responsible for your injuries is a company that could be significantly damaged by the bad press.
Of course, going to trial could potentially result in the defendant winning their case and not having to pay the injury victim anything. However, even if they are found to be not at fault by a jury, they may still lose their case in the court of public opinion. That, mixed with the growing legal fees the longer the case lasts, can make a win in court feel like a loss.
Preparing for Court Is Essential
Although your case will most likely settle out of court, it is still essential to prepare as though you are going to trial. There is always the potential that you and the other party will be unable to come to terms on a settlement agreement, which would force a trial to decide your case.
Furthermore, being prepared to go to court is essential when negotiating a settlement. If the defense discovers that you are unwilling or unprepared to go to trial, you will lose all leverage in negotiations. You will likely receive a lowball settlement offer and find the other side unwilling to negotiate further.
Hiring an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Is Essential When Pursuing Compensation
Knowing that most personal injury cases don’t go to court may make you feel like you don’t need to hire an attorney. However, a personal injury lawyer does far more than represent you in court. Attempting to negotiate a settlement deal on your own is unlikely to produce favorable results.
Your attorney will investigate the circumstances that caused your accident and build a strong case on your behalf. The more evidence you have to back up your claim, the more likely the opposing party will be to agree to a fair settlement deal.
Additionally, an experienced attorney will be able to identify all the compensatory damages you are eligible to claim far better than you would manage on your own. A miscalculation when representing yourself could make you feel like you are getting a good deal when, in fact, you are only recovering a fraction of the money you need and deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
When pursuing compensation after suffering a personal injury, it is critical that you get started sooner rather than later. The earlier your attorney can get to work, the stronger the case they will be able to build. This will likely result in your recovering more money sooner. At Rand Spear, we understand the urgency to recover the compensation you need as quickly as possible.
Whether through a settlement or a court ruling, we will work diligently to help you recover the compensation you deserve in a timely manner. Our personal injury lawyers have years of experience helping injury victims just like you.
Contact us by giving us a call or completing the contact form on this website today. We offer free, no-obligation case reviews, and a no-win no-fee guarantee, so don’t hesitate to get started. A member of our team will look over your case, answer your questions, and advise you of your legal options.
