Should You Settle Or Should You Go To Trial?

There are a lot of different factors which impact whether or not you decide to take your settle your case or take it to trial. This is a decision your accident lawyer will be able to help you with. It is important to keep in mind that it is your lawyer's job to give you the information you need to make the decision on your own. There are three real factors you will need to examine with the help of your lawyer to decide whether a settlement or trial is the best option for you.

1. The Risk

The biggest question that needs to be asked is what are the risks associated with settling versus taking the case to court. There only risk involved in settling is getting less money than your case is worth. If getting some money is better than getting no money, you will be happy with a settlement.

The risk of taking a case to trial is huge because you will either get all or nothing. You could get a lot more than what the settlement offer was, you could get a lot less, or you could get nothing at all.

2. The Time

After an automobile accident, for example, it is safe to assume you are in a situation where you need money as soon as possible. Settling is how you get the money immediately. There is nothing wrong with taking the case to trial if you think the chances of getting more money are good, but you are not going to get the money quickly. The trial could last for months, weeks, or even years. You just have to decide whether or not you can wait for the money.

3. The Emotional Strain

For a lot of people, the emotional strain of going through a trial and the amount of time it consumes is enough of a reason to avoid it. Unfortunately, how much emotional strain is involved will depend on the circumstances involving your case.

If you are not someone who does well with emotional strain or arguing, you are going to want to pursue settling your case.

If you can handle the emotional strain, time investment, and risk, there is nothing wrong with taking your case to trial on the recommendation of your lawyer, like Attorney Robert H. Astor. One thing you do not have to worry about or consider is your finances because accident lawyers do not charge you any fees for their services unless they win your case. If they win your case, you pay them with the compensation you receive.

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