After suffering injuries in a motor vehicle accident, you typically have two options for acquiring compensation. You can negotiate with the involved insurance companies to reach an equitable settlement, or you can file an injury lawsuit if the insurer’s offer is unfair.
As with most things in life, there are pros and cons associated with both approaches. However, since most injury cases conclude through negotiations, we will discuss the risks of choosing litigation. We believe this knowledge will put you in a position to know which option is ideal for your circumstances.
What are your goals?
If all you desire is compensation for your motor vehicle accident injuries, then you might accomplish this without litigation. For example, a legal advocate can help you deal with the involved insurers to obtain a fair settlement.
On the other hand, say your primary goal (on top of compensation) is holding the responsible parties to account for the public to witness. In such situations, litigation may yield the best results. However, you must consider whether the parties involved—insurers, the other driver, etc.—can pay if you win your case.
What are the risks of choosing litigation?
Assuming the involved parties can (and will) pay, there are still risks and disadvantages that you should consider. Three examples include:
- You could end up spending more money than expected.
- It could take a long time to resolve your case.
- You could lose your case, leaving you with nothing to show for your harm.
Legal guidance is critical when considering personal injury and accident remedies. For example, legal counsel can help you determine if it is worth the time and expense to litigate or if you will get better results through insurer negotiations.
Regardless of your decision, it is wise to consider learning more about New York accident and injury compensation laws.