Do I Have To Go To Court After A Pennsylvania Truck Accident?
Going through a lawsuit might seem like the last thing you want to do after a Pennsylvania truck accident. Perhaps you are aware of how time-consuming and stressful these lawsuits can be. Maybe you’re struggling with debilitating, painful injuries that demand constant treatments. You might want to focus more on the healing process after this incident, and the prospect of legal action may seem completely overwhelming. Do you really need to go to court to get compensation for your medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages?
The Majority of Civil Cases Are Settled Out of Court
First of all, you should know that litigation is relatively rare in civil cases. For those who don’t know, “litigation” occurs when you go through a personal injury trial. This is the legal process that many people are familiar with – and it is often portrayed in a highly dramatic fashion by Hollywood. As a plaintiff, you will argue your case in front of a judge and jury. The defendant (in this case, the trucking company), will have a chance to respond. Each side can present documents, witnesses, and other evidence – while refuting claims made by the other side. At the end of the trial, the jury makes a decision about how much money you should get – or whether you should get any money at all.
This entire process is very rare when it comes to civil cases like truck accident lawsuits. Instead, most civil cases are settled via private negotiations outside of court. Because insurance is mandatory for trucking companies in Pennsylvania, you will have a chance to negotiate a settlement with the company’s insurer. During these negotiations, you and your legal team will meet with insurance adjusters, defendants, and other representatives of the trucking company. The goal of this negotiation process is to provide you with a suitable settlement. Your lawyers can represent you and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf. If you cannot agree on a fair settlement, you may need to proceed with litigation. Once again, this is very rare – and most settlement negotiations are successful.
The underlying threat of litigation means that these negotiations often function like informal trials. During this process, you may have the opportunity to present evidence and witness testimony while making various arguments with help from your lawyers. Although the normal rules of a courtroom do not apply, you use the same evidence that you may eventually present if the negotiation fails – so it carries the same weight.
Find a Qualified, Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Scranton truck accident lawyer, look no further than the Needle Law Firm. Over the years, we have helped numerous plaintiffs throughout the Keystone State – including those who have been harmed by truck accidents. We know that lawsuits may seem daunting – but compensation may be easier to achieve than you realize. Book your consultation today to discuss your legal options in more detail.
Sources:
6abc.com/chester-county-pa-highland-township-milk-truck-crash-limestone-road/14525315/
abcnews.go.com/US/5-injured-fedex-semitrailer-rolls-over-pittsford-new-york/story?id=108117737
