Settlement vs. Trial – What is the Practical Difference for Palmdale Car Accident Victims?
One of the things that a Palmdale car accident victim may wonder after being seriously injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence is whether they will need to go through the entire court process in order to get compensation due to them for their injuries. In Palmdale, Under California personal injury laws, victims of car accidents caused by another driver’s negligence may be entitled to money compensation, but they must bring a case in civil court in order to pursue their claims. Under California civil personal injury laws, victims of car accidents caused by another driver’s negligent conduct may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, damage to personal property, and other important categories of compensation. But is going through a trial the only way to obtain compensation due once a Palmdale car accident victim files their case in court? The answer is no, and here we explain why.
Palmdale Car Accident Settlements
Most Palmdale car accident victims have likely seen personal injury cases play out on Court T.V., popular courtroom drama movies, or otherwise in the media. In many high-profile and dramatized cases, the trial process is played out with the lawyers cross-examining witnesses and the judge playing umpire in front of a packed courtroom and the jury sitting in the jury box. However, the reality is that many – if not most – Palmdale car accident cases are resolved before a trial takes place. Indeed, many Palmdale car accident victims opt to resolve their case through settlement, rather than go through a trial in court.
Key Differences Between Settlement and Trial in a Palmdale Car Accident Case
Settling a Palmdale car accident case is a different process than resolving a Palmdale car accident case through trial. First of all, in terms of timing, a settlement may be reached well in advance of a trial date, so there is the possibility of a much shorter timeline when it comes to a Palmdale car accident victim being compensated for their injuries through the settlement process. Secondly, settlement negotiations may take on a much less “formal” process, as the settlement process takes place outside of the courtroom and the rules and formalities that govern the trial process. Settlement negotiations may be done directly, face-to-face, between the lawyers or through a mediation. Finally, settlement may provide more certainty to a Palmdale car accident victim about the outcome of their case. At the end of a trial the case is decided by a jury or a judge, while in settlement negotiations, the parties have the power to reject or accept a settlement offer, and craft terms of the settlement that they agree on.
Legal Help with Your Palmdale Car Accident Case
If you were injured in a car accident in Palmdale, it is important to speak with an experienced Palmdale car accident lawyer as soon as possible about your rights and options. The experienced Palmdale car accident lawyers at the Trevino Law Firm offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your case and to see if they can help you get compensation due. Contact the Trevino Law Firm today and speak to an experienced Palmdale car accident lawyer about your case for free.
