Is it preferable to settle a case or take it to court? This is a question that many experienced car accident attorneys in Long Beach CA are asked. The fact is that both have advantages and disadvantages, and each scenario is unique. If you have any questions regarding a particular case, you should call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation. Meanwhile, learn about the drawbacks of resolving your lawsuit outside of court.
The majority of cases are settled outside of court
First and foremost, before we address the reasons why people may choose not to settle out of court, it is critical to recognize that in many cases, it is the best option. In reality, most personal injury lawsuits are settled without even going to court. The following drawbacks may or may not be worth pursuing your case to court, depending on your situation.
You’ll probably get less money
The truth is that getting the insurance company to make a reasonable settlement offer is usually the best thing that can be done without going to court. This is not to be confused with a full-value settlement offer. What does this mean for you personally? It means that even if we assess your economic and noneconomic damages (such as pain and suffering) to be $1 million, the insurance company is unlikely to pay that amount.
Why? Because they want to get out of this predicament for the least amount of money feasible. They are more inclined to take the issue to court if they feel they will be forced to pay $1 million in court, but there is a chance the jury will rule in their favor. On the other hand, if the matter can be settled for $750,000, it would be worthwhile. Although this is not always the case, insurance firms frequently make a lowball offer.
It’s possible that you won’t feel vindicated
For some people, bringing a personal injury lawsuit with a car accident attorney in Long Beach CA is about more than just getting paid; it’s about holding the other party accountable. While you have no influence over whether criminal charges are filed in the event of a criminal conduct that results in death or serious injury, you do have power over whether civil charges are filed. It’s also worth noting that the burden of proof in this sort of lawsuit is far lower than in a criminal trial.
You will not get your day in court if you agree to a settlement, and the at-fault party may not have to publicly recognize what they did. The outcome of the lawsuit may be secret, depending on the terms of the settlement, and they may never have to acknowledge wrongdoing to you. If you have questions about the best way to proceed, contact a car accident attorney in Long Beach CA now by reaching out to The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000.
