Car accidents that cause serious and life-threatening injuries are a devastating but all too common experience. Will you be able to get the compensation your family deserves by negotiating with the at-fault party, or will you have to file a civil suit? Find out below.

Why Your Car Accident Case Might Settle

In some cases, the plaintiff and the defendant in a personal injury lawsuit can reach an agreement that seems fair and works for both parties. This is often an ideal resolution compared to litigation since battling it out in court is a slow and expensive process.

For instance, both sides could reach a compromise on culpability for the accident, or they may reach an agreement on the dollar value of the harm caused by the defendant that must be paid to the plaintiff.

When Litigation Is Your Best Option

Filing a lawsuit may very well be your best option to move forward with your Georgia car accident claim if you and the defendant are unable to reach an agreement on the key details of your case.

A judge will take into account the information presented by both participants, including things like video security footage, eyewitness accounts, and accident reconstruction assessments. Then, the court will provide a final, legally enforceable decision determining who needs to be held accountable for the incident and who is responsible for paying damages.

What To Expect During The Settlement Process

When your case first begins, your Georgia car accident attorney will send a demand letter to the defendant and/or their legal team. This letter states what happened, what damages were caused, and makes a demand for compensation.

The defendant and their representatives will then review the letter and can choose to accept it and pay the suggested settlement or make a counteroffer of what they would like to pay instead. Or, they may deny liability at all.

Then, both parties will negotiate with each other, communicating back and forth via offers and counteroffers until a satisfactory resolution is reached or the plaintiff decides to sue the defendant. It’s important to have qualified legal representation on your side as you move through the negotiation process to ensure your rights and best interests are protected under the law.

Contact Appalachian Injury Law today for a consultation by dialing (706) 515-1995 (Local) or (800) 393-8595 (Toll-Free).