Do All Car Accident Cases Go to Trial?

If you have been injured as a result of another motorist’s negligence, it’s a lot, and the thought of going to trial to obtain the compensation to which you are entitled can be overwhelming. You have been placed in the difficult position of needing to regain your health and well-being, and the last thing you want to do is battle something out in court.

The truth of the matter is, however, that the vast majority of car accident claims are settled outside of court, and if your case does move forward to trial, you can leave the heavy lifting to your experienced St. Petersburg car accident attorney.

The Building Blocks of Your Car Accident Claim

Every car accident has unique circumstances, but every car accident claim also comes down to the same basic building blocks, including:

• You were hurt in a car accident as a result of another driver’s negligence.
• You seek compensation from your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
• If you have uncovered losses, you seek additional necessary compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage.
• You negotiate for just compensation with the insurance company.
• You and the insurance company reach a settlement that you are both willing to accept, or – if the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith – your claim may proceed to trial.

Ultimately, it is in your best interest – and the best interest of your claim – to move through this process with the right car accident attorney in your corner.

Negotiating with the Insurance Company

After filing your claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, you will be hearing from the insurance rep who is assigned to your claim. This is where things can get tricky. Yes, the insurance company is paid by the at-fault party’s policy to cover your damages, but it is also a for-profit business that is very interested in maximizing those profits.

Your Statement

The insurance rep handling your case will ask you to provide an official statement in relation to the accident that left you injured. It is important to note, however, that this rep is skilled at obtaining statements that bolster their position and that diminish your own (it’s a well-honed skill set). The most important point to keep in mind is that you are not required to provide a statement – and you are better off allowing your skilled car accident attorney to do the talking on your behalf.

Early Settlement Offers

Another favorite of many insurance companies is swooping in with early settlement offers that don’t come anywhere near covering the complete damages involved but that, nevertheless, tempt desperate claimants who are watching their medical bills mount and their earnings decrease. Never accept a settlement offer until you’ve discussed the matter with a car accident attorney who is up to speed with the specifics of your claim.

Allow an Experienced St. Petersburg Car Accident Attorney to Guide Your Claim

The knowledgeable St. Petersburg car accident attorneys at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos are skilled negotiators who have ample experience affecting favorable claim resolutions that typically bypass trial altogether. Only if going to court is warranted will we suggest you move in that direction, and we will skillfully guide the proceedings from start to finish. Your claim is important, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call us at 727-441-9030 today.