It’s disappointing that, in this day and age, people still drink and drive. If you end up getting hit by a drunk driver, you could be left with devastating injuries and expensive medical bills. It’s in your best interest to hire an experienced Norcross accident attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Here, we’ll explain why it may be a good idea to consider settling your drunk driving accident case.
Most Car Accident Cases Settle at Some Point
What many accident victims don’t realize is that most cases settle long before trial. According to the American Bar Association, on average, more than 95% of all car accident lawsuits settle. This is true for drunk driving cases as well.
So many cases are settled because it makes sense for both parties to do so. Of course, your auto accident lawyer would never force you to accept a settlement. What they will do is explain the many benefits of settling your case.
A Trial May Not Be Worth the Risk
One thing our car accident attorneys explain to clients is that a trial comes with risks.
Even if you are positive that the drunk driver caused the crash, you still have to prove it. The court isn’t going to take your word for it. Theoretically, the defendant can argue that their being drunk had absolutely nothing to do with the crash.
It’s more likely that the defendant’s lawyer will argue that you are partly responsible for the crash. If the court finds you were 50% at fault or more, you’ll walk away with nothing. If you are 30% at fault, you’ll only recover 80% of your damages.
When you agree to a settlement, you know exactly how much money you’ll receive and your lawyer will ensure the deal is fair.
Settling Your Case Is Faster and Can Save You Money
Settling a case means you don’t have to worry about the cost of a trial. Your car accident lawyer may spend thousands of dollars on expert witnesses, court fees, and other expenses. These expenses would come out of your compensation.
You’ll also get your money faster with a settlement. It can take a year or longer to go to trial, so you won’t see any money for quite some time. Even if you win, the insurance carrier may appeal the court’s decision.
If your lawyer negotiates a lump sum settlement, it usually takes 30 to 90 days to receive your money. This isn’t the only type of settlement, and your lawyer will explain things before you agree to any deal.
Are There Drawbacks to Settling Your Auto Accident Case?
It would be naïve to pretend that there aren’t reasons why some clients would prefer to go to trial. There is always the chance you could lose.
However, there is also a chance that you could win. If this happens, you’ll be awarded full damages. If your car accident attorney settles your case, you’ll walk away with less than your full demand. You could settle for even less if the defendant can somehow prove that you were partially at fault for the accident.
Contact Our Norcross Car Accident Attorneys Today for the Help You Need!
Being hit by a drunk driver is something very few people get over. Nobody should be subjected to something like that. It’s perfectly reasonable that you would want the other driver to pay. That is exactly why drunk driving accident victims hire a personal injury lawyer in the first place.
When it comes to how you approach your case, however, it’s not a good idea to look at it as a punishment. There’s a good chance the defendant’s insurance carrier will pay the damages awarded in your case. The drunk driver will likely not have to pay anything out-of-pocket unless their policy doesn’t cover your damages.
What’s important is that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. That is what your Georgia accident attorney will do. They’ll work tirelessly to make sure they get you a fair settlement.
Settling your case means you’ll get the money you deserve faster, without the risk that comes with a trial. All you have to do is call our office at (770) HELP-NOW and schedule your free, initial consultation.
