Powell, Powell & Powell, P.A.: If I Hire an Injury Lawyer, Will My Case Go to Trial?

Learn what to expect if you hire a Crestview auto accident attorney to handle your insurance claim. Questions? Call (850) 682-2757 for a free consultation.

Many people have reservations about hiring a lawyer after an accident. Among their concerns, many people believe that hiring a lawyer means that their case will go to trial. They are concerned that the process will be unnecessarily lengthy and expensive, and they think that they would rather “see what they can get” by dealing with the insurance companies on their own.

While some personal injury cases go to trial, most do not. In fact, the vast majority of personal injury cases settle out of court. This is the same process involved in seeking compensation without an attorney, only you have more options, more information, and the benefit of experienced legal representation.

Ultimately, the decision whether to take your case to trial is up to you. It is your case, your claim for compensation, and your one opportunity to collect the money you need for your recovery. It may be that the insurance company is willing to offer just compensation once presented with the evidence in support of your claim. This is most often the case, and hiring a lawyer can ensure that:

• The insurance company is aware of the evidence in your favor
• The insurance company is presented with evidence of your past and future losses
• The insurance company does not improperly reduce or deny your claim based upon comparative fault

Additionally, hiring an attorney presents the insurance company with the potential for litigation. For the insurance companies, going to trial is expensive, and it also comes with an inherent element of uncertainty. If an experienced personal injury lawyer is willing to take your case in front of a judge, this means that you have some legal basis for seeking more than the insurance company is willing to offer.

When weighing your options between settlement and trial, the most important thing you can do is gather the information necessary to make an informed decision. If you agree to settle for less than your attorney thinks you are owed, you could end up without the money you need to cover your future medical expenses and lost earnings. On the other hand, if there are open questions in your case (for example, if there is a dispute as to whether you were speeding and whether this played a role in the accident), you will need to carefully consider the odds of receiving an unfavorable verdict at trial.

So, will your case go to trial? Maybe, but only if you decide that this is the best way to protect your rights.

If you were injured in an accident and are trying to decide whether to hire an attorney, we encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can help you understand what your case is worth, and we can provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your claim for compensation. To speak with an auto accident attorney at our offices in Crestview, please call (850) 682-2757 or request an appointment online today.