Every year, Oregon roads are becoming busier, and with that rises the number of car accidents. From being rear-ended at a stop sign to getting hit by a driver who ran a red light and everything in between, dealing with the aftermath of a vehicle accident can be difficult, especially if you are injured.
If you’ve been involved in a vehicle accident because of another person’s negligence, a car accident lawyer can help you receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and distress. Questioning whether you should settle with the other driver’s insurance company or go to trial? Paul Galm, one of Portland and Beaverton’s top personal injury attorney with years of experience handling car accident claims, provides tips on auto accident settlements and trials.
Settling a car accident claim
Settling a car accident claim means you’ll receive financial compensation for your injuries and other damages in exchange for a release of your right to make any further injury claims as a result of the accident. The amount in a settlement is determined and agreed upon with an adjuster from the other driver’s insurance company.
Most car accident claims end in settlement before going to trial. If the facts about the accident and who is at fault are not in dispute, settling might be your best option. However, keep in mind that it is the adjuster’s job to pay you the smallest amount possible. Providing all necessary documentation to the insurer is key to maximizing compensation, and working with a personal injury lawyer can ease some of the burden of gathering facts and records by managing the detailed demands to settle your claim.
If you are offered an unfair settlement, you can refuse and negotiate. If attempts at resolving your claim amicably have failed, you can also counter with litigation.
Filing a suit in a car accident case
Car accident claims go to trial when one person’s defense can’t come to an agreement with the other. A trial is a result of court-based proceedings in a personal injury lawsuit. During a trial, parties to a dispute present evidence to a judge or jury who has authority to decide whether the defendant should be held legally responsible for the injuries and harm alleged by the plaintiff.
Filing a suit in a car accident case should be your last resort. Not only is litigation stressful and expensive, it can also be an involved process that can take years. However, it is true that jury-awarded compensation may be higher than the settlement offer, and the potential payout can be huge. Also, if either party is unhappy with any part of the decision, they can choose to appeal.
The answer as to whether or not you should settle or go to trial depends on the circumstances of your case, as well as your tolerance to wait for a potentially higher award. A car accident injury lawyer can best advise you on your case and likelihood of winning in court.
Contact Galm Law for Help
Paul Galm has been representing car accident victims with compassion and assertiveness for 15 years. As Portland and Beaverton’s established personal injury attorney, he is committed to helping you with your vehicle accident claim so you receive fair compensation, and can move on with your life.
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