If you were injured in a car accident, you have the right to pursue appropriate compensation for your injuries. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go to court to get the compensation you deserve.

In most cases, an experienced car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to get you a reasonable settlement offer. However, if the insurance company won’t make an acceptable offer within a reasonable amount of time, you may face a decision about whether to accept a lower settlement offer or take your case to court.

These are a few of the factors that may influence your decision to settle.

Your Injuries Might Influence the Decision to Settle Your Case

Settling your claim helps get a check in your hand sooner than going to court. It also helps minimize our legal fees and saves you from going through the hassle of a trial.

However, if you have injuries that will require ongoing treatment – or if the exact nature or extent of your injuries has yet to be determined – your lawyer may advise holding off on a settlement. Likewise, if your injuries prevent you from going back to work right away, you may want to wait until you know when you can go back to work and whether you can resume your old job duties.

Once you accept a settlement, you essentially sign away your ability to pursue the at-fault party for any further damages.

The Value of Your Car Accident Claim Can Influence Your Settlement

Ultimately, the insurance company will do everything they can to limit how much they have to pay out for your claim. The higher the amount of your claim, the longer they’re likely to try to draw out the negotiation process.

In many cases, this will involve a series of settlement offers that fall below the value of your claim. If that happens, your car accident attorney can help you consider the pros and cons of settling for a lower amount as compared to waiting it out or going to court.

The statute of limitations requires you to file legal action within a specified period, which will also influence your decision about settling your case or going to court.

How the Strength & Complexity of Your Case Influences the Decision to Settle

If you have a strong case and clear, persuasive evidence of the other party’s negligence in causing your accident, your lawyer may recommend waiting to settle your case.

The insurance company will recognize the strength of your case and, as a result, they typically will work harder to get you to settle. Otherwise, they run the risk of losing even more money in a court case.

The stronger your case, the more likely the insurance company is to eventually make a good offer for settlement.

Trust Your Car Accident Injury Lawyer to Recommend When to Settle

The more favorable your settlement is, the more your attorney will benefit. Consequently, they will provide the best possible advice about when you should or should not agree to settle your case.

The experienced personal injury lawyers of the Symco Injury Law understand this complex area of the law. We help clients throughout northern Utah obtain the fair financial compensation they deserve for their car accident injuries. Contact us today to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation consultation.