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Do I Have to go to Court for a Car Accident?

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    It is highly unlikely that you will have to go to court for a car accident case in Virginia. There are some exceptions, of course, but the majority of personal injury claims are resolved outside of the courtroom.

    When you’re injured in a wreck caused by another motorist’s negligence, your car accident lawyer will build a claim for damages and work with the at-fault party’s insurance company toward a settlement package.  The monetary compensation should reflect all of your losses stemming from the accident, including wages, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced earning capacity, if any.

    The Majority of Cases Settle Outside of Court

    In situations where the defendant’s insurance provider does not agree on the settlement amount or blatantly disputes liability, your car accident case may need to go to trial. 

    Insurance companies will always look for ways to pay out as little as possible on accident claims. They may question the severity of your injuries, the credibility of your allegations, and twist your own words to diminish the value of your case.

    It is precisely situations like these where having experienced legal representation makes all the difference in the world. A good car accident attorney is well-versed in these tactics and can deftly handle disputes by preparing a solid case with expert testimony that demonstrates liability as well the nature and severity of your car crash injuries.

    A skilled legal advocate can accurately assess the value of your physical, emotional, and economic injuries, and negotiate a settlement that meets your current and long-term needs.

    Why do Some Cases go to Trial?

    However, if an insurance company continues to play hardball and refuses to offer fair compensation, your legal counsel will have to take the case to trial, unless you are willing to accept the settlement offer. 

    At Rutter Mills, our lawyers prepare every case as if it were going before a jury, thereby improving the odds of negotiating a proper settlement. By collecting police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other convincing evidence, we can advance a strong case that shows insurance companies we have the resources and skill to win in the courtroom. 

    It is not unusual for multiple rounds of settlement negotiation until both sides reach a mutually acceptable amount that is fair and just. Even if a case goes to trial, a settlement can occur at any point before the judge or jury’s verdict.

    Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

    The car accident lawyers at Rutter Mills have been helping Virginia residents obtain the justice they deserve for more than 50 years.  If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact our offices in Norfolk or Newport News for a free case evaluation.

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