Every lawsuit is unique, and that statement could not be more applicable to personal injury cases. This means the timeline of each case can vary drastically. Lawsuits that go to trial could take years to complete, while personal injury cases that end with a settlement before ever getting to court could end in a matter of weeks. Read on to learn when you should settle a personal injury case.
After Your Injury: First Steps
The only thing you should be thinking about after a car accident or another personal injury is medical attention. It’s only after your doctor has told you you’re healthy or on the mend that you need to worry about legal action.
Once you’ve received treatment for your injuries, you should consider acquiring an attorney. If you do, they’ll have you take them through the incident, and they will review the case to determine whether the other party should be held financially responsible. When your lawyer decides you have a case, you and your representation have a choice to make—take the lawsuit to trial or pursue a negotiated settlement.
Going to Trial
You probably think about going to trial when you hear the word “lawsuit.” Even though it’s the first thing that comes to mind, most personal injury cases don’t go this route. Instead, most people pursue a settlement.
Legal trials come with quite a few roadblocks. Although you may wind up with more money, winning the case is nota sure thing. On top of that, most states have a waiting period of one to two years before you’ll ever set foot in a courtroom.
Seeking a Settlement
Most people decide to negotiate a personal injury settlement for a few reasons. Firstly, your money is guaranteed. While you can go into a trial with hopes, you won’t know what you’re getting until the judge brings down the gavel. In a settlement, as soon as you and the other party agree to a figure, you’re done.
Secondly, the time frame is the other major benefit of settling—all it takes is a few weeks of negotiations to put the whole ordeal behind you.
Now that you know when you should settle a personal injury case, talk with your attorney to discuss the best strategy. Remember—deciding whether to settle or pursue a lawsuit is up to you. Your attorney can advise you, but the final choice is yours.
