Bautista LeRoy Law Firm can assist in helping you understand the differences between settlements and verdicts in a car accident. Since the 1990s, our attorneys have provided exceptional legal services in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. We believe personal injury attorneys provide more effective assistance through client-centric approaches. Thus, enabling us to achieve optimal results for car, train, truck and motorcycle accidents or nursing home neglect cases.

This article explains the differences between car accident settlements and verdicts, how often cases end up going to trial and why hiring a personal injury attorney could make a difference to their outcome.

What Is The Difference Between Car Accident Settlements And Verdicts?

Car Accident Verdicts: A verdict is a decision made by judges or juries after trials have concluded to determine who was at fault and the compensation awarded to those involved in an accident. It could take months, even years, due to prolonged court and deliberation processes.

Car Accident Settlements: A settlement occurs when all parties involved reach an agreement regarding compensation without going to trial. The defendant or their insurance provider offers the plaintiff a set sum in exchange for not taking further legal action against them.

How Do Car Accident Settlements Work?

Negotiations are often necessary in car accident claims between injured parties and the drivers at fault's insurers. Here is an outline of this common settlement process:

• Filing a Claim
• Negotiation
• Agreement
• Dispute Resolution

How Often Do Car Accident Cases Go To Court?

Most car accident claims can be settled out-of-court because all parties involved stand to benefit from a quick and cost-efficient settlement process.

Not every dispute can be settled amicably. When negotiations fail to produce results and parties cannot reach an agreement regarding compensation terms, then a trial may become necessary for resolution. Court proceedings allow judges and juries to establish fault and assess damages.

Why Is Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney Beneficial?

Insurance companies and their attorneys can be hard to deal with, striving to minimize payouts as much as possible. Hiring a personal injury attorney helps even out the playing field by:

• Handling Negotiations
• Maximize Compensation
• Legal Guidance
• Taking the Case to Trial if Needed

When is It Necessary To Hire An Attorney?

Early involvement of a personal injury attorney will help avoid costly mistakes. While insurers might tempt you with quick settlement offers, consulting an attorney beforehand allows for an assessment of whether this serves your best interests.

Act quickly to avoid missing any deadlines when filing your claim or case. By hiring an experienced personal injury attorney early, they can begin gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and managing other essential components immediately.

What Are The Criteria To Find A Good Attorney?

• Specialization: Hire a personal injury attorney who specializes in car accident cases to represent you effectively.
• Reputation: Before choosing an attorney, read their client testimonials and case results, as this can give insight into service delivery.
• Availability: An ideal attorney must be accessible and responsive, showing genuine interest in your case.

Why Choose Bautista LeRoy LLC?

Bautista-LeRoy takes great pride in their legal team's expertise and commitment to clients. We have years of experience successfully handling car accidents, producing positive outcomes in settlement negotiations or jury verdict proceedings to secure maximum compensation.

Our attorneys offer open communication that provides all the needed information for making wise decisions.

Suggested Action Steps

• Consult with a personal injury attorney about your circumstances and the possible outcomes.
• Gather documents related to your car accident, such as medical records, insurance information and accident reports.
• Speak to your attorney about any settlement offers received to ascertain whether they accurately reflect your damages suffered.
• Trust your attorney in handling the necessary paperwork, negotiations and trial proceedings as necessary.

By understanding the distinctions between verdicts and settlements and hiring an experienced personal injury attorney, you can feel more comfortable dealing with the aftermath of a car accident. Contact us today at 816-221-0382 or send us an email on our Contact Page. Serving Kansas City, MO and KS as well as surrounding areas of Benton County and St. Louis.