Personal injury lawyer can helps understand benefits of settling vs going to trial
Personal injury lawyer in Boise and Nampa ID recommends settling out of court over going to trial in a personal injury case. If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, before you can receive any money, you need to decide whether to settle your case or go to trial.
Settling means that you agree to accept a certain amount of money from the insurance company or the person who caused your injury, in exchange for giving up your right to sue them in court. Going to trial means that you reject the settlement offer and take your case to a jury, who will decide how much money you deserve.
Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice for you depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Here are some of the benefits of settling vs. going to trial in personal injury cases in Boise and Nampa ID.
Benefits of Settling
Some of the benefits of settling personal injury cases are:
- Settling lowers legal costs. Going to trial is almost always more expensive than settling your case. You can save money on legal fees, court costs, expert witnesses, and other expenses associated with a trial.
- Settling is less stressful. Walking into a courtroom is stressful no matter how prepared you are. You can avoid the hassle and uncertainty of litigation, which can take months or even years to resolve. You can also avoid the emotional toll of reliving your injury and facing cross-examination by the defense attorney.
- Settling gives you more control over the outcome of your case. You can negotiate the terms of the settlement with the help of your attorney, and decide whether to accept or reject any offer. You can also avoid the unpredictability of a jury verdict, which can vary depending on the evidence, the witnesses, the judge, and the jury’s sympathy.
- Settling is faster and more convenient. Settling the case streamlines the legal process and allows you to receive your compensation sooner. You can avoid the delays and complications that may arise during a trial, such as motions, appeals, or mistrials.
- Settling is more private. When you settle your case, you can keep the details of your injury and your settlement confidential. When you go to trial, your case becomes a matter of public record and may attract unwanted attention from the media or others.
- Settling is more likely to be final than a verdict. When you settle your case, you agree to release the defendant from any further liability for your injury. When you go to trial, the defendant may appeal the verdict and prolong the litigation process. An appeal may also result in a reversal or a reduction of your award.
Benefits of Going to Trial
- Going to trial may result in a higher award than settling. If you have a strong case with clear evidence of liability and damages, you may be able to convince a jury to award you more money than what the insurance company or the person who caused your injury is willing to pay. You may also be able to recover punitive damages, which are meant to punish the defendant for their reckless or malicious conduct.
- Going to trial may deter future negligence by the defendant or others. By taking your case to court, you may be able to expose the wrongdoing of the defendant and hold them accountable for their actions. You may also send a message to other potential wrongdoers that they will face serious consequences if they injure someone else.
- Going to trial may give you a sense of justice and closure. If you feel that settling is not fair or satisfactory, you may prefer to have your day in court and tell your story to a jury. You may also feel more vindicated and empowered by winning a verdict in your favor.
Comparing settling vs. going to trial
Settling and going to trial are two different ways of resolving a personal injury case. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Some of the factors that may influence your decision are:
- The strength of your case and the evidence you have to support it
- The amount of money you are seeking and the amount the defendant is willing to offer
- The time and cost involved in pursuing a settlement or a trial
- The stress and uncertainty involved in litigation and trial
- The privacy and confidentiality of your case and your settlement
- The finality and enforceability of your settlement or verdict
- The impact of your case on the defendant, other potential victims, and society
Generally speaking, settling is faster, cheaper, less stressful, more private, more predictable, and more final than going to trial. However, settling may also result in a lower award, less justice, less closure, and less deterrence than going to trial. Going to trial may result in a higher award, more justice, more closure, and more deterrence than settling. However, going to trial may also be slower, more expensive, more stressful, less private, less predictable, and less final than settling.
Work with the best personal injury lawyer in Boise and Nampa ID
There are benefits and drawbacks to both settling and going to trial in personal injury cases in Boise and Nampa ID. The best way to decide which option is right for you is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action.
Jacobson & Jacobson Law Firm, since 1982, is committed to serving the Boise and Nampa, Idaho areas for your top Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Business Law, Estate Planning, Family Law, Immigration Law, and Litigation needs. Contact us today to get started. For a free 30-minute consultation, book here: https://calendly.com/jfj-1