When you think of high-dollar lawsuits, you probably picture pitched court battles and ongoing legal drama. In reality, most personal injury lawsuits don't involve a court trial. Instead, you're more likely to settle out of court before your trial date. These settlements can often be substantial, so avoiding court doesn't always mean taking a lesser payout.
However, you might be wondering whether you must take this approach. Can you choose to turn down any settlements and go on to pursue your case in court? While the simple answer is "yes," there's more to consider before deciding that you want your day in front of a judge.
Why Do Most Lawsuits End in Settlements?
There's no single reason why injury lawsuits end in a settlement instead of in court. Some plaintiffs may need to resolve their situation quickly, forcing them to take a settlement instead of dragging out a long legal battle. Others may be concerned about losing their case, ultimately causing them to take the safer option. In some cases, a settlement may simply offer everything the plaintiff wanted.
In other words, court cases are rare because there are so many reasons that a plaintiff may choose to avoid them. The longer a case goes on, the more likely you will receive a settlement that's acceptable for your needs. Likewise, trials themselves tend to take a long time, so choosing to go in front of a judge and jury can delay your compensation even more.
Which Is Right for Your Case?
Every car accident and personal injury lawsuit is unique, so there's no single correct answer. Your attorneys will generally prepare for trial while working to obtain the best settlement possible. Settling out of court has numerous advantages, including quicker compensation, avoiding stressful trials, and receiving a guaranteed amount to cover your damages and pain.
While your legal team will never compel you to accept a settlement, it's crucial that you listen to their advice. Experienced personal injury lawyers can judge essential factors such as the value of your case and the likelihood of success at trial. If your attornies advise you to take a settlement, it's likely because they believe it's the best way to receive quick and fair compensation.
As with many aspects of your personal injury case, the decision of whether to take a settlement or go to court is ultimately yours to make. However, relying on the advice and counsel of your legal team will help ensure you receive enough money to cover your damages without stretching your case out for many long and stressful years.
For more info, talk to a car accident attorney in your area.
