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Car Accident Lawyers in Waldorf, MD: Will My Auto Accident Case Go To Court/Trial?


Most Maryland auto accident cases do NOT go to court or go to trial. Most car accident cases in Waldorf, MD, are resolved through negotiations and settlement with the respective insurance carriers. This should be seen as a positive thing since insurance negotiations and settlements are typically finished in a much shorter time than if personal injury litigation must be filed. This means that victims of Maryland car accidents will receive their compensation much quicker.

If you have been the victim of an auto accident here in Waldorf, Maryland, contact us here at the Law Office of Robert Castro. Our number is (301) 870-1200. We are experienced and top-tier Maryland car and auto accident attorneys with offices in Waldorf, Maryland.

Reasons why my case would settle rather than go to court

There are many reasons that car accident cases are settled rather than going to court. The first is probably that, in many cases, by the time the investigation is completed, there is not too much dispute as to what happened, who was at fault, and what compensation is due. Maryland car accident attorneys help with this process by gathering the necessary evidence, particularly of fault and damages. Examples include obtaining copies of all the medical invoices, statements of lost wages and earnings, repair estimates or invoices for vehicles and other personal property damaged, etc. It is crucial to have the assistance of experienced car accident attorneys because, of course, insurance companies want to pay as little settlement money as they can. In many cases, when the investigation is complete, even the insurance company representatives agree on the essential facts. When that happens, a settlement can usually be reached. As such, there is no need for the case to go to court or to trial. When a case settles through insurance, everyone signs documents that bar the parties from filing any sort of lawsuit related to the accident.

Along the same lines, auto accident cases will settle — rather than go to court — because the parties are willing to accept the settlement. For victims, this may be true even if there is a good possibility that more compensation can be obtained if the case goes to court/trial. However, court proceedings take a long time and are uncertain. Some plaintiffs would prefer to accept a less-optimal settlement now than wait for a better result later on. The opposite is also true for insurance companies. They may be willing to offer more in a settlement now rather than go to court and try to pay a smaller judgment. Going to court costs a lot of money over time — in legal fees and expenses — and there is never a guarantee of the results. So, settling now, even at a higher amount, may actually save the insurance company money in the long run.

Another reason that car accident cases settle — rather than go to court — is because those accused of liability (and their insurance companies) often want the final outcome in the near term. As noted, a settlement bars all the parties from filing a lawsuit. In this sense, a settlement creates finality, which eliminates financial and emotional risks. Litigation, on the other hand, can go on for years and years, given that after the trial is completed, any party can file an appeal to a higher court. An appeal takes time, and one possible result is that the appellate court sends the case back to the lower court for a new trial. The settlement avoids all of these negative outcomes.

Contact Waldorf, MD Personal Injury Attorney Robert Castro Today

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland personal injury lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Personal Injury lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601.

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