Most car accident claims are resolved without going to trial. According to the American Bar Association, only a small percentage of civil cases see the inside of a courtroom because, typically, the involved parties opt to settle out of court, which saves both time and money and mitigates the risk of receiving an unfavorable verdict.
Both plaintiffs and defendants generally prefer to settle out of court for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, there are instances where taking the case to court becomes inevitable, such as when parties cannot agree on who was at fault in the accident or when an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
Under such circumstances, engaging a competent car accident attorney experienced at navigating litigation complications and capable of advocating effectively on your behalf in front of a judge or jury becomes essential. Statistics from the Bureau of Justice indicate that only about three to four percent of tort cases end up in court.
What Happens During a Car Accident Trial?
When negotiations in a car accident claim fail, you can pursue legal action against the responsible parties. An attorney can initiate this by filing a lawsuit in the relevant court, which prompts a response from the defendant(s), including possible motions.
If a jury trial is requested, which is relatively rare, here’s an overview of the process:
- Waiting Period: Courts often have backlogs, meaning your trial could be delayed for months or years in busy areas.
- Discovery: This stage involves both parties exchanging information. Your attorney and the defendant’s lawyer will request documents and evidence and depose witnesses, interviewing them under oath outside of court.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Both sides may file motions to influence how the trial will be conducted, affecting what evidence and testimonies will be permissible.
- Jury Selection: In a car accident case, you might have a jury (jury trial) or just a judge (bench trial) decide your case. Jury selection involves a process known as voir dire, where potential jurors are questioned to ensure they can remain unbiased.
- Trial Proceedings: During the trial, you’ll witness the opening statements, witness examinations, and closing arguments. You and possibly relatives might testify about the accident’s impact and the resulting injuries.
Taking a car accident claim to trial is an intensive, stressful process, especially when considering the possibility of testifying. However, preparing for trial in complex cases or where claims are significantly undervalued or denied is crucial. Our attorney will utilize their expertise to strive for a favorable outcome.
When Might Car Accident Claims Proceed to Court?
Although most car accident claims are settled out of court, specific scenarios necessitate going to trial:
Disputes Over Fault
Fault determination is crucial in car accident claims, yet it can become contentious, with parties presenting conflicting evidence or narratives. When a fault is vehemently disputed and negotiations stall, a trial becomes necessary to scrutinize the evidence more rigorously.
This judicial review, including witness testimonies, accident reconstructions, and expert evaluations, allows a judge or jury to make an informed decision based on negligence and liability standards, providing a clear resolution that might not be possible through negotiation alone.
Inadequate Settlement Offers
Trials may also ensue when insurers’ compensation fails to cover all resultant damages from the accident—ranging from medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering. If negotiations with the insurance company falter, pursuing a court trial might be the injured party’s best route to obtain fair compensation.
This setting allows plaintiffs to thoroughly argue for the full extent of their claims, potentially leading to a more substantial award than insurers initially proposed.
Complex Legal or Factual Issues
Some car accident cases involve intricate legal questions or complex factual details that simple negotiations cannot address effectively. These issues might pertain to legal interpretations, the application of laws, or complex scenarios requiring in-depth analysis.
The structured environment of a court trial, led by a judge or jury experienced in legal intricacies, offers a detailed examination of these issues, ensuring a verdict grounded in robust legal and factual analysis.
High-Value Claims
For car accident claims involving large sums—due to severe injuries, significant income loss, or major property damage—the stakes are higher, and the incentive for both sides to vigorously defend their stance increases. Insurers often hesitate to agree to substantial payouts without extensive validation.
In such situations, a trial allows both the plaintiff and the defense to comprehensively present their arguments regarding the compensation amount, justifying their respective positions on the financial implications of the claim.
Why Car Accident Claims Often Settle Out of Court?
When handling car accident claims, deciding to settle outside of court often comes down to the efficiency and costs of legal proceedings. The court system can be cumbersome and expensive, with legal fees, court expenses, and the costs of expert witnesses and extensive discovery processes quickly accumulating.
Additionally, trials can extend over lengthy periods, sometimes months or years. Both plaintiffs and defendants generally avoid these substantial time and financial commitments. Alternative dispute resolution methods like settlements or mediation are usually faster and less costly, making them an appealing option for resolving disputes efficiently.
Risk Management in Settlements
The inherent unpredictability of trial outcomes is a significant factor in settling. In court, the claim’s fate rests in the hands of a judge or jury, who might interpret evidence or legal arguments differently than expected.
Trials can also introduce unexpected legal challenges that could sway the outcome. Settling outside of court grants both parties more control over the result, allowing them to negotiate mutually agreeable terms and reduce the risk of a potentially unfavorable verdict. This is particularly crucial in cases with the possibility of substantial damages.
Confidentiality Concerns
Another advantage of settling out of court is maintaining confidentiality. Trials are public records, exposing sensitive personal and financial details to public scrutiny.
Individuals and companies concerned about privacy or reputational damage often prefer the privacy that settling out of court provides. Settlement agreements can include confidentiality clauses, ensuring that the specifics of the case and any compensation remain private.
Insurance Company Incentives
Insurance companies also play a pivotal role in resolving car accident claims. They generally aim to settle claims swiftly and efficiently, driven by the desire to avoid the uncertainties and expenses of trials.
For insurance providers, settling is often more cost-effective, helping manage risk and control legal costs. Furthermore, insurance companies possess extensive experience in negotiating settlements and typically have established protocols for efficiently resolving claims without resorting to court.
By settling, insurance companies leverage their negotiation expertise to achieve resolutions that avoid the complexities and costs of trial proceedings, benefiting all parties involved.
When Should You Take Your Car Accident Claim to Court?
A primary determinant in deciding whether to pursue court action following a car accident is the extent of the injuries involved. More severe injuries often translate to higher claim values, reflecting increased medical costs, potential for lasting disabilities, loss of earnings, and continuous care requirements.
These heightened stakes typically heighten the claim’s complexity and value. With higher claims, both the injured party and the insurance company face increased risks. As the potential payout grows, insurance providers may examine the claims more rigorously, leading to disputes about the severity of injuries and the corresponding compensation warranted.
When out-of-court negotiations stall without reaching a satisfactory settlement, the parties may opt for a trial. This legal setting allows a judge or jury to evaluate the full extent of the injuries and determine fair compensation, offering a more definitive resolution to the contested claim.
Why Hiring Our Lawyers for Your Car Accident Claim Is Essential?
Even if a car accident claim seems likely to settle, having our attorney is essential. Representing yourself could significantly weaken your position, as insurance companies, defense attorneys, judges, and juries typically do not take unrepresented claims as seriously. Our skilled lawyer increases your chances of securing a fair settlement.
What are the Benefits of Engaging Our South Carolina Car Accident Attorneys?
A competent car accident lawyer brings numerous advantages, including:
- They can meticulously investigate your accident to pinpoint all potentially liable parties.
- Our lawyers are adept at reviewing insurance policies to confirm coverage extents and compensation eligibility.
- Our lawyer can manage all interactions with insurance companies, encompassing more than just settlement negotiations.
- They answer your questions and advise on crucial decisions that may impact your legal rights.
- Our attorney will collect, organize, and preserve the evidence necessary to substantiate your claim.
- They prepare all required documents to formally present your claim to an insurance company or in court.
- After securing a settlement or court award, your lawyer will ensure the proper collection and distribution of funds owed to you.
Contingency Fee Basis
Our car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee module, meaning you will pay no upfront expenses. Their fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award you receive.
Essentially, our lawyer only gets paid if you win, aligning their success with your financial recovery. This arrangement allows you to benefit from expert legal representation without the initial financial burden, ensuring your claim is handled professionally.
Schedule Your Complimentary Case Evaluation with Our Expert Car Accident Attorneys!
We understand the complexities of car accident claims, whether they settle amicably or proceed to trial. Our team of dedicated car accident lawyers is prepared to navigate every aspect of your case. We are committed to holding the liable parties accountable and securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
You face no financial risk when you work with us because our fees are contingent on winning your case — if we don’t secure compensation for you, you owe us nothing. To learn more about how an attorney can assist you after an injury in South Carolina, our 24/7 English—and Spanish-speaking customer service representatives are ready to help. Contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm at (864) 664-3865 to schedule a complimentary consultation.