Reasons to Settle Your Personal Injury Case

by Kristen White Blogger

It is common to hear the statement that the majority of personal injury cases settle before they reach trial. That being said, there are hundreds of thousands of plaintiffs and defendants that are currently tied in personal injury cases nationwide. However, the majority of these cases will reach settlement. This article will discuss some of the reasons why most personal injury cases settle.

One of the main reasons why many personal injury cases settle is because of the issue regarding uncertainty. The litigation process involving a personal injury lawsuit is marred with uncertainty. It is easy for many surprises to come up and this is especially so during the discovery phase; when there is an exchange of information so as to build evidence to present during trial. Instances have arisen whereby the plaintiff is so flustered that they say the wrong thing during a deposition or, an investigator stumbles upon a crucial piece of evidence.
During the trial process it is possible for witnesses to fumble their words during cross-examination or just decide not to show up. While the option of filing an appeal when a trial decision is unfavorable is available, it is important to note that such an appeal can cost tens of thousands of dollars and may take years to complete.

Another important element that influences the decision to settle a personal injury case is the issue regarding saving money. Litigation is an expensive process, especially so when it requires expert witnesses. Expert witnesses charge based on the time they spend on a case, as such their time is extremely valuable. Things like preparing reports, spending time traveling and testifying adds up to a significant and very large bill. In some cases, the personal injury lawsuit may require several expert witnesses for the one side.

Another expense that comes with personal injury cases is when they take up a lot of the attorney’s time. If a case goes to trial, the attorney could easily spend thousands of hours preparing for the trial process including pleadings, analysis of discovery, review of documents, preparation of witnesses and arguing motions in court. Therefore, once settlement is made or on the table it reduces time spent on preparation and conducting a trial and that saves thousands of dollars spent on legal fees.

Another expense that can arise is in certain cases where the plaintiff could be held liable for the defendant’s litigation and attorney costs if the plaintiff loses at trial. Or there are instances that even if the plaintiff wins the trial, the compensation award is no higher than the defendant’s settlement offer. Therefore, by settling the case there is no risk of having to pay such expenses.
When you settle your personal injury claim you save on time. The process of filing a personal injury complaint up to the point of a verdict being issued can take over a year or sometimes many years. Even if the plaintiff wins at trial, there is a long period to wait for compensation for injuries. Further, you also need to consider the time that could be spent on an appeal.

For legal advice and representation speak to lawyers for motorcycle accident settlements today.

Resource Box: To find Association of Personal Injury Lawyers the author recommends the Crowson Law Group.