If you are the victim of a negligent or reckless driver you can file a personal injury claim. This makes a stand against the insurance companies and holds the person accountable for their negligence. Many people believe that filing a claim automatically means that you will go to court. However, it’s possible to settle your case and avoid going to trial. Here are some advantages to settling your personal injury case out of court:
Faster resolution
Settlements are much quicker than trials. It might only take weeks or months to secure a settlement, depending on the extent of your injuries. Litigation is a lengthy process. Trials usually take twice as long and can sometimes take years to get to court and the trial itself can take days or weeks, depending on the complexity of the case and the testimony that must be given.
Settling lowers attorney fees
Most attorneys charge a larger percentage of the settlement if your case goes to trial. What’s more, fees and expenses increase substantially when you choose to go to court. For example, you must pay for the time and travel of your witnesses. Expert witness charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars per hour. Additionally, juries charge a fee just to hear your case.
Settling out of court can help you avoid incurring these additional costs and save you a lot of money.
Avoiding the unpredictability
During settlement negotiations, you can, with the help of your attorney, decide to accept or deny any settlement offer. Your attorney can also try to negotiate a higher settlement on your behalf. If you decide to go to trial, you might get more money but you also risk getting less money or no money at all. You will have to accept whatever a judge or jury gives you.
Avoid the stress of a trial
When your case goes to trial, the attorney of the defendant will try to prove that you are lying. Being cross-examined in a court is not a pleasant experience, even when you are speaking the truth. The waiting period is also stressful, and settling may put the matter to rest.
Protect your privacy
Personal injury cases become public when they go to trial. News stations can report on them with your name and anyone can see it. You may feel like the facts of the case are private, even if you have done nothing wrong. It is not possible to keep your information private once you take it to court.
Talk to an attorney
Whether you would like to settle your case in or out of court your best bet is always to contact an experienced personal injury attorney like The Texas Bulldog. The attorneys at The Miller Law Firm will always give you a free case review. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another call 713-572-3333. Adam Miller and his staff will be happy to answer any questions you have about settling and litigating personal injury cases.
