If you get injured in a car accident, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to call 911 so the police can come out and investigate the crash. Second, you must get checked out by a doctor. Go to the hospital even if you don’t think you’re hurt.
Finally, you should call and talk to an experienced Riverdale car accident lawyer. They’re going to work hard from day one to get you the best possible outcome. In most cases, this will involve a settlement of some sort.
Very Few Riverdale Car Accident Cases Ever Go to Trial
There are a lot of reasons why most car accident cases in Georgia don’t go to trial. Any seasoned Riverdale car accident lawyer will tell you it’s in your best interest to settle. Trials can be expensive and time-consuming. There’s also the risk that you could lose and walk away with nothing.
This is why more than 90% of all car accident lawsuits settle before trial. Even if your case is scheduled for trial, that doesn’t mean it won’t settle. Your attorney can settle your case at any point up to and including trial.
If You Settle, You’re Guaranteed a Lump Sum of Money
One of the nice things about settling your car accident case is that you’re guaranteed a sum of money. In most cases, the settlement is paid all at one time. Your Riverdale car accident lawyer may arrange some other form of payment but that is rare.
For example, the defendant’s attorney may agree to pay the settlement over four (4) installments. If the other driver was insured, then the settlement is more than likely going to be paid out all at once.
If You Go to Trial, You Risk Losing
When you settle your case, you are guaranteed money. Once the settlement agreement is signed and you receive your check, there’s no going back. You can’t ask for more money down the road. But you also don’t have to worry about the defendant demanding that the settlement be nullified, and the matter goes to trial.
On the other hand, you could go to trial and lose. If this happens, you get nothing. This is the worst possible outcome. Neither you nor your Riverdale accident lawyer will see a dime. Plus, your attorney will be out any money they spend on your case.
Your Riverdale Accident Lawyer Will Push for the Best Settlement Possible
Settling your case is not always a bad thing. Your Riverdale car accident lawyer is going to push to get you as much as possible. You must remember – your attorney is paid on a contingency basis. The higher your settlement, the more money they make.
They also need to make sure you get enough money in the settlement to cover any medical bills or out-of-pocket expenses. They’re not going to recommend you take a low settlement unless they think the evidence in your case is extremely weak.
Trials Can Be Very Expensive and Time-Consuming
One of the reasons your Riverdale car accident lawyer will try to settle your case is because trials can be expensive. They can also be time-consuming. If your case goes to trial, your attorney may have to spend thousands of dollars on expert witnesses. They’ll also have to pay all sorts of fees for depositions, court reporters, and other expenses.
The other problem is that it could be years before you go before a judge. Their dockets are normally backed up. Now that COVID-19 set everything back for months, it could be even longer before you see the inside of a courtroom.
Discuss Your Options with a Seasoned Riverdale Car Accident Lawyer
One of the biggest mistakes a lot of accident victims make is they try to handle their cases on their own. They don’t realize that the insurance company counts on this so they can take advantage of accident victims. They figure you’ll take a reduced settlement, especially if you’re desperate for cash. If you have a Riverdale accident lawyer, they’ll make sure this doesn’t happen.
Once the insurance adjuster realizes you’re represented by an attorney, they’ll take your claim more seriously. All you have to do is call and discuss your case with a skilled Riverdale accident lawyer in our office. Call and set up a date and time to meet with an attorney. Your initial consultation is absolutely free, so you don’t have anything to lose.
