Accidents and injuries can happen in the blink of an eye. When you or a loved one suffers a personal injury, it can cause emotional distress and financial hardship. In such difficult situations, the guidance of an experienced personal injury lawyer in Provo, Utah, can be of great assistance.
One of the biggest decisions you must make after sustaining a personal injury is settling your case or going to trial. This blog post will consider the advantages and disadvantages of both options to help you determine the best course of action for your circumstances.
Settling Your Personal Injury Case
Settlement is often the preferred option for many personal injury victims. There are several reasons why settling your case might be the right choice for you:
1. Faster Resolution
Personal injury cases can sometimes take several years to resolve in court. By settling, you may receive compensation much sooner, which can help cover lost wages and other expenses, including medical bills.
2. Less Stressful
Going to court can be a stressful experience for anyone, especially those recovering from a personal injury. Settling your case allows you to avoid the emotional strain of a trial while still receiving compensation for your injuries.
3. More Predictable Outcome
When your case goes to trial, there is always uncertainty regarding the outcome. By settling out of court, you have more control over the compensation you will receive.
4. Lower Legal Fees
Trials are more expensive than settlements, as they involve more preparation, investigation, and negotiation by your attorney. Settling can save you money on legal fees and ensure that more of your compensation goes directly toward your recovery.
However, there are some circumstances where settling may not be in your best interest:
1. Unfair Compensation
If the settlement amount offered by the insurance company falls short of your medical expenses, lost earnings, and other injury-related losses, you should consider going to trial with the support of an attorney from Killian, Davis, Richter, & Fredenburg, PC, or another law firm of similar caliber in your local area.
2. Need for Closure
Some personal injury victims may feel that a trial is necessary to achieve a sense of closure or justice after their accident.
Going to Trial for Your Personal Injury Case
While both parties often prefer settling, going to trial may be the best option in certain situations. Some reasons to consider going to trial include:
1. Maximum Compensation
If the insurance company’s settlement offer is too low, taking your case to court with the help of an expert personal injury lawyer like michael valen can help you obtain more significant compensation. Juries tend to award larger amounts than what is offered during settlement negotiations.
2. Holding the At-Fault Party Accountable
Going to trial allows you to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions in a public forum.
3. Appeals Process
If the outcome of your trial is not satisfactory or there are legal errors made during the proceedings, you can appeal the decision. This could result in a more favorable outcome for your case.
However, going to trial also means facing certain risks and challenges:
1. Time-Consuming
Trials can be lengthy, which means extended periods of stress, uncertainty, and financial strain while waiting for the outcome.
2. No Guaranteed Outcome
As previously mentioned, there is an element of unpredictability when dealing with a jury trial. There is never a guarantee that a jury will rule in your favor or award you proper compensation for your losses.
Ultimately, deciding whether or not to settle your personal injury case is a deeply personal decision that should not be taken lightly. Consult with your attorney and carefully weigh the pros and cons based on your situation.
