I want to settle my accident claim out of court. Is it worth it?

A majority of personal injury lawsuits settle out of court following a compensation claim after an accident. This is because such settlements are far more advantageous than having a trial for a number of reasons, say accident lawyers from Orange County, CA.

Settling a Case is not Expensive but Trials Are

For plaintiffs, reaching a settlement with the insurer is a better alternative simply because most lawyers do not charge anything upfront. For the most part, the plaintiff pays the legal representative after a settlement is secured. The payment is usually 33% of the awarded money. If the case goes to trial the lawyer charges 40% of the awarded money – if you win, for example.

Reaching for a settlement is normally the wise choice to make and the right avenue to take. Either way, you will need an accident lawyer in Orange County, CA. by your side. 

Have you seen The Good Wife? When they win a case for the client they may be keeping about 30 to 40%. This is why they are happy as well as the client. This is a win win though since the client is made financially whole again and then some and they never have to actually pay the legal counselor since the money goes from the defendant to your lawyer then to you. You end up with 60% or around that much.

However, for the defendant the arrangement is far more financially stressful. This is because fabulous defense lawyers charge an hourly rate. In addition, this is not the only expense. The defendant may have to hire expert witnesses, pay private investigators, pay court fees, and bear travel costs on hearing days (and lose time from work). This means the settling is indeed a lucrative solution for both parties.

Prominent California accident attorneys therefore often push their clients towards a settlement and are often advocates of early settlement. For the most part, settlements benefit defendants who are billed at hourly rates. Moreover, huge costs are incurred in the pre-trial phase when lengthy depositions and expert witnesses are involved.

Trials are Stressful

Trials usually do not last more than a few days but legal counselors agree that a trial is mentally and physically stressful. Both parties are subjected to examinations and cross examinations at the stand which can cause severe mental stress. In addition, both parties constantly worry about the outcome of the case.

If you do not know what stress looks like just watch the final episode of 24 in season 3 when Jack Bauer begins to cry because of the things he had to do to finish this case and resolve this biological and evil situation. Now your case will not reach these proportions but if you can avoid stress you should.

Liability and Damages are Far from Predictable

Plaintiffs often get lured by the prospect of receiving a huge amount in compensation. But juries are unpredictable. Accident lawyers in Orange County, CA point out that in many cases juries have not given a favorable verdict and the plaintiff has had to return empty handed.

A number of scenarios can go wrong in a trial. Key evidence often is rendered inadmissible, the plaintiff’s testimony might be inconsistent and eyewitnesses may turn hostile. On the contrary in a settlement both the parties are in control of the situation. They know exactly what they want and how they want it.

To conclude it can be said that a trial is like washing dirty linen in public but settlements happen behind closed doors. Moreover you can wrap it up within a month which is not possible in a trial, as there might be an appeal and this means the plaintiff will not receive any compensation right away. Finally, a settlement benefits the defendant because he/she is not needed legally to admit any liability.

You need Legal Help and You need it Badly 

If you are involved in an auto accident it is astute to seek assistance from a California accident lawyer immediately to know your legal options. Your legal pro will evaluate your case and make sure are fairly compensated for your pain and suffering – it is very rare that you would not be compensated for your troubles and medical issues. You can help yourself out by starting to build your case right after the accident though.

The dollar signs may be adding up but finding that critical legal help is free. It costs you nothing! Press right here Accident.USAttorneys.com. Contact us if you want as well. We will probably get back to you that same day.