When it comes to settling a car accident case in Texas, the option of going to court is always available. However, there are certain advantages and disadvantages to going this route that should be taken into consideration prior to making any decisions.
It’s important to understand that while many cases settle out of court, legal action may become necessary if negotiations can’t produce a fair settlement or you disagree with the at-fault party’s insurance company over who was liable for the accident and damages. In such cases, having an experienced attorney like Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog on your side can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Potential Benefits to Settling Out of Court
- It typically takes less time to accept a settlement instead of taking a case to trial.
- The settlement amount could be higher than the jury verdict after a court trial. There is no guarantee you win your case in trial and its possible to get less than the offered settlement or no money at all.
- Expenses add up when you go to trial and most attorneys will charge a larger percentage of the settlement to make up for the additional hours and added expenses of expert witness testimony as well as court fees.
- Additionally, there is no public record of what happened in the accident, so your confidentiality is maintained.
Potential Benefits to Going to Trial
- Going to trial gives both parties the opportunity to present their arguments before a judge and jury. This allows for an impartial decision based on the evidence presented and testimony from witnesses. When both sides have a fair chance to explain their situation, it ensures that both parties receive justice under the law.
- Another benefit of trial is that it sometimes leads to greater compensation for those injured in an accident. Even after subtracting attorney fees, trial awards tend to be much higher than settlements offered by insurance companies. The insurance adjusters job is to literally pay you as little as possible or nothing at all for your losses and injuries.
- Additionally, trial outcomes are binding, meaning they provide assurance that money will be delivered in a timely manner and all expenses associated with the trial are paid.
When trying to decide whether to settle out of court or take a case to court, it’s important to speak with an experienced Texas car accident attorney who can provide an honest opinion about which option will best serve your interests. An attorney can help you assess any offers that have been made, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and make sure you get the full compensation you deserve for your losses. Ultimately, it’s up to you as the injured party whether to settle or go through litigation; however, having professional legal advice by your side can help make the process much smoother.
In the end, it’s important to remember that every accident case is unique and there are no hard-and-fast rules as to whether settling out of court or going to court is better. Consulting with an experienced attorney can provide you with valuable guidance and insight into which option makes the most sense for your situation. Call Adam Miller, The Texas Bulldog for a no cost and no obligation case review at 713-572-3333 today.
