Do I Have to Go to Court After a Car Accident in the Inland Empire?
The thought of going to court might seem completely untenable after a serious accident in the Inland Empire. Preoccupied with medical treatment and psychological trauma, you may have no time, patience, or energy left for the complexities of litigation. While these feelings are understandable, they may be unfounded. If navigating the legal process feels overwhelming, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. The team of car accident attorneys in Inland Empire at Moga Law Firm is here to guide you through every step of the way, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. The truth is that most people never have to go to court after car accidents. And even though they never go to court, they still receive compensation for their hardships.
What is the Difference Between Settlement Negotiations and Trials?
To understand why going to court probably is not necessary, you need to understand the difference between settlement negotiations and trials. Also known as “litigation,” a personal injury trial involves going to court. The plaintiff (you) and the defendant (the negligent driver) will each have a chance to tell their side of the story. Through their attorneys, the plaintiff and defendant will present various evidence to back up their claims. At the end of the trial, a judge/jury will decide how much compensation you should get – or whether you should get anything at all. This compensation is called an “award.”
In contrast, settlement negotiations occur in private. The defendant and the plaintiff come together and try to agree on an appropriate sum to “settle” the case without going to court. In most cases, the defendant is represented by an insurance company. This insurance company usually sends a special employee called an “adjuster” to negotiate on their behalf. Although these negotiations occur outside of court, they follow many of the same basic rules. During the discussions, each side may present evidence, exchange documents, and request statements from the drivers.
Most Auto Accident Cases Never Go to Trial
While both trials and negotiations are possible after a car accident in the Inland Empire, most cases never reach the litigation stage. Why? Because settlements usually serve everyone’s best interests.
While litigation is costly and time-consuming, you can finalize a settlement within a few weeks of negotiations. Court awards are also unpredictable. How do you know how a jury or judge will react to your situation? Will they believe your side of the story? Will they award you enough money to cover your medical bills, missed wages, and emotional distress? Or will they hand you a paltry sum that barely covers your damages? Trials represent a risk that most injured plaintiffs would rather not take.
Insurers also see the value in avoiding trials for the same basic reasons. As profit-driven companies, insurers would rather not waste legal fees on drawn-out trials. They also prefer to avoid the risk of multi-million-dollar jury awards – which are not unheard of.
Pursue Compensation With an Auto Accident Lawyer in the Inland Empire
While going to court may not be necessary, you might still face challenges as you pursue compensation. An experienced car accident lawyer in Inland Empire can help you overcome these challenges. From the moment of your first consultation, you can proceed with greater confidence alongside a legal professional. Book your first meeting with the Moga Law Firm todayor call us at 909-931-2444 to get started.
Sources
- https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/divisions/civil
- https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/negotiate-with-insurance-company-after-total-loss/
Scot Thomas Moga, a dedicated attorney in San Bernardino & Riverside Counties who represents clients in the many types of personal injury, workers’ compensation and estate planning cases.
