5 Reasons a Car Accident Case May Be Taken to Court
Car accident cases can end with a settlement, where the at-fault driver’s insurer agrees to pay the victim a specific compensation amount. The case may go to court in some circumstances, such as if the parties involved disagree on liability or the extent of damages. An experienced car accident attorney from Reasonover Law can file legal documents, gather evidence, and provide legal representation in court. Here are five reasons a car accident case may go to court:
1. Low Settlement Amounts
Insurance companies may try to minimize compensation payments during car accident cases to save money. They may offer you a low settlement amount, hoping you will accept it without pursuing further legal action. A car accident attorney is an expert in calculating the actual value of your case. They can advise you on whether the settlement amount offered is fair and take your case to court if it isn’t.
2. Liability Disagreements
In some car accident cases, it is unclear who is at fault. Both parties may claim the other is responsible for the accident and refuse to take responsibility. A settlement may not be reached in such situations, and the case must go to court. A judge or jury will then determine who is liable based on the evidence presented by both sides. Your car accident attorney can help gather evidence, witness statements, and expert opinions to prove the other party’s fault. They will argue your case in court, presenting an organized defense to support your claim.
3. Damage Disputes
An accident often leads to various damages, including medical bills, lost wages, car repairs or replacement, and pain and suffering. The parties involved may not agree on the extent of these damages. A car accident attorney from Reasonover Law can review your medical records and bills, consult with medical experts, and gather evidence to prove the true extent of your damages. We can then present this evidence in court to obtain fair compensation for your losses.
4. Lack of Cooperation
After a car accident, parties involved are expected to exchange contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration information. If one party refuses to provide or accept this information, it can hinder the claims process and lead to legal action. Lack of cooperation from insurance companies can also be a factor. If an insurance company representing the at-fault party is unresponsive, denies a valid claim without proper investigation, or refuses to negotiate in good faith, the injured party may decide to pursue legal action.
5. Need for Legal Precedent
Legal precedent refers to previous court decisions or judgments that establish a standard or guideline for similar cases. These precedents can assist with interpreting laws relevant to car accident cases. In some car accident cases, no existing legal precedent may apply to the situation. This may occur in unique or complex cases, such as with new or experimental vehicle technologies, requiring a judge or jury to decide and set a new precedent.
Your attorney can make strong legal arguments, citing relevant laws and past cases to support your claim. If successful, the decision made in court can serve as a reference for future cases involving similar circumstances. This can potentially protect car accident victims, helping them receive fair compensation.
Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
While many car accident cases are resolved through settlements, an experienced attorney can take your case to court when necessary. They can help with liability disagreements, damage disputes, and lack of cooperation. At Reasonover Law, we have the skills and resources to handle your case effectively. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation and learn more about our legal services.