The US Department of Transportation reported that nearly 41,000 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2023, and millions more were injured, many permanently.
Car accidents in Alexandria are an unfortunate reality for many drivers, and they often lead to insurance claims and legal disputes. While most claims settle outside of court, some do proceed to trial. Understanding how often car accident claims go to court and why can help accident victims prepare for the legal process and set realistic expectations.
Settlements Vs. Trials
The vast majority of car accident claims are resolved through settlements rather than through trials.
Insurance companies and lawyers often prefer to negotiate settlements to save time and money. A trial can be unpredictable, costly, and time-consuming, which is why settling out of court can be a more appealing option for everyone involved.
Settlements allow both sides to avoid the risks associated with a courtroom decision. Plaintiffs may accept a guaranteed payout rather than face the uncertainty of a judge or jury ruling. Similarly, defendants and insurers often agree to settle to avoid the possibility of paying higher damages if the case goes to court.
When Do Car Accident Claims Go to Court?
Car accident claims typically go to court when disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation. Disagreements may arise over liability, the severity of injuries, or the amount of compensation owed. When insurance companies deny claims or offer insufficient settlements, plaintiffs may feel compelled to take legal action.
When cases involve complex legal issues or multiple parties, coming to an agreement outside of court can be a difficult task. High-value claims or those involving permanent injuries are more likely to proceed to trial because the stakes are higher for both sides.
Also, claims where fault is heavily contested may need court intervention to resolve conflicting evidence.
Factors That Influence Whether a Claim Goes to Court
Several factors affect whether a car accident claim ends up in court. One key consideration is the strength of the evidence.
Evidence
Cases that have clear evidence, like traffic camera footage or eyewitness testimony, are more likely to settle in less time. However, cases that involve conflicting accounts or lack evidence can require court intervention to determine fault.
Insurance
The behavior of insurance companies plays a role as well. Some insurers prefer to settle claims quickly, while others may prefer a tougher stance, resulting in disputes that end up in the courtroom.
The willingness of both sides to negotiate in good faith is a major influence on whether litigation becomes necessary.
Representation
Legal representation also impacts the likelihood of going to court. Experienced personal injury attorneys often resolve cases without litigation by leveraging their negotiation skills. However, they may recommend pursuing a trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation.
What Happens During a Court Case?
When a car accident claim goes to court, the first step is typically the filing of a lawsuit. Both parties then exchange evidence and information during discovery. Depositions, interrogatories, and expert testimony may be used to strengthen each side’s case.
Pre-trial motions and hearings may occur before the case proceeds to trial. During the trial, attorneys present evidence, question witnesses, and make arguments before a judge or jury. After hearing the evidence, the court issues a verdict determining fault and damages.
Trials can take months or even years to resolve, especially if appeals are filed. This extended timeline is one reason many parties prefer to settle rather than face prolonged litigation.
Car accident claims rarely go to court, as settlements remain the preferred method for resolving disputes. However, when negotiations fail or disputes involve significant injuries or damages, litigation may be necessary.
Understanding what influences whether a claim proceeds to court or not can help you make more informed decisions. Consulting with an experienced attorney like ours at Curcio Law helps ensure that your claim is handled properly, whether through negotiation or litigation.
Regardless of the approach, pursuing fair compensation is the ultimate goal for those recovering from car accidents.
