How Often Do People Win Lawsuits for Car Accidents in Philadelphia?
How often do people win lawsuits against car accidents in Philadelphia is a difficult question. After all, several variables are involved, and every accident claim is different. If people have a solid case and are prepared, they have a good chance of winning when they hire a reputable car accident lawyer to represent them.
The more important question here is: Do you have a car accident lawsuit that is valid and provable? At Mattiacci Law, we make it our priority to prove that.
Let’s take a look at some general statistics and information. Then, we’ll discuss how you can increase your odds of winning your Philadelphia car accident lawsuit and getting the compensation you deserve.
The Odds of Winning Car Accident Cases in Philadelphia: A General Perspective
On the topic of statistics, those are hard to come by. Researchers have estimated that about 75% of all personal injury lawsuits are settled out of court. However, that also may not include settlements that occur before lawsuits are filed. Many people don’t even get to the lawsuit stage before a settlement is reached.
The National Center for State Courts estimates that only about 3% of all cases go to trial at court. That same data shows that when personal injury claims like Car Accidents in Philadelphia do go to trial, the victim wins about 60% of the time.
Then there’s the question of what exactly a “win” entails. Sure, the verdict is in their favor, but is it the level of compensation that they deserve? For example, a car accident case may go to trial and result in a verdict for the plaintiff, but the number may not be as much as the person hoped to win. In some situations, a person may get a verdict that is actually less than the amount offered by the defense before the trial. Knowing when to try a case and when to settle a case is something an experienced attorney can help determine. However, the injured client is the person who ultimately has the final say as to whether to settle the case or go to trial.
Why are Car Accident Lawsuits Lost?
One way to prepare yourself for the best chances of winning your lawsuit is to understand why certain lawsuits are denied or settled in favor of the defendant. Several factors could be involved here, but it usually hinges on a few elements, including the lawyer representing the victim.
You won’t have the best chances of success if you don’t have a reputable, experienced car accident lawyer in your Philadelphia lawsuit. Here are a few other common reasons people don’t win their car accident lawsuits.
- Lack of evidence
- Conflicting information about the damages or recovery
- A history of prior lawsuits alleging the same injuries
- Lack of medical expert testimony supporting the injuries or damages
- Social media posts regarding the lawsuit
- Speculation
- Minimizing injuries or issues
Juries take their jobs very seriously. Juries make the ultimate decision as to whether someone is trustworthy or truthful, and who they find more likable. Sometimes this can help determine who wins at trial.
When you’ve been the victim of a Car Accident in Philadelphia, you first need to hire a reputable car accident lawyer. They will help you with the process to ensure you don’t make any of these mistakes or others that could cost you the compensation you deserve.
How to Increase Your Chances of Success in Cases Related To Car Accidents in Philadelphia
If you want to ensure that you have the best chances of winning your car accident lawsuit in Philadelphia, there are several things you can do. Many personal injury lawsuits settle out of court. It is not uncommon for insurance companies to offer a very small amount early to see if a person will accept that settlement before they retain a lawyer. An insurance company may try to do this before an injured victim knows the full nature and extent of his or her injuries, thereby hoping to get a “deal” by settling quickly for a small amount. Therefore, speaking to an attorney as soon as possible and before accepting any initial offer is wise.
The good news is that proving “duty of care” or fault may be easier in a Car Accident in Philadelphia case than in other personal injuries. By getting behind the wheel, drivers accept responsibility for traffic safety and driving with caution. They agree to follow the “rules of the road.” When a person violates or breaks a rule, they may be liable to anyone they hurt.
However, you will still need to ensure that you have as much proof as possible that the defendant acted unreasonably. You also need proof that you were the victim and that the compensation you are asking for is what you are fairly owed.
Make sure you have a claim that warrants the compensation you seek. As mentioned above, excessive claims may be rejected by a jury if the amount being demanded seems unreasonably excessive. A simple rule is that the more serious the injury, the more money you may be justified in demanding in damages.
Your lawyer can assist with all of this, but having the education beforehand gives you more peace of mind. Talk to your lawyer about your accident, what you can expect, and what type of damages you should seek. They can help you determine what is fair and reasonable so you have the best chance of winning your car accident lawsuit.
What Affects Your Odds of Winning?
In addition to your attorney, the strength of your case also plays a role in how likely you are to win. The stronger your case, the more likely you are to be awarded full compensation without having to do much fighting. Experienced lawyers know how to collect evidence and help you build the strongest case to guarantee an outcome in your favor.
When you file a personal injury lawsuit after a Car Accident in Philadelphia, you might not be suing just the person who hit you. You might also be suing the bar they came from that sold them the drinks that caused them to be intoxicated. This is known as a dram shop case. Perhaps you’re suing their vehicle manufacturer for faulty mechanics or another default that caused the accident. That can involve a product liability claim.
There are several parties involved in a car accident lawsuit, potentially. The more parties that can be held liable, the greater the number of parties that may be able to contribute or pay toward a settlement in your case. Your lawyer will help you determine who you can hold accountable and how much liability everyone has so that your lawsuit has the best chance of success.
Important Steps to Take After an Accident
You need to take specific steps after an accident to protect yourself and increase your odds of winning a car accident lawsuit. If you are injured, take care of that above all else. The rest can be handled later.
Seek immediate medical attention, including letting the EMTs on the scene treat you and transport you to the hospital if necessary. Your health is the most important thing. This also starts the documentation to prove your accident case and prevents the defense from arguing you did not seek medical care soon enough.
Document visible injuries or limitations. You can take photos of casts, slings, stitches, cuts or lacerations, being in a hospital bed, and the vehicles and scene of the accident, so long as it can be done safely. Preserving any pictures, notes, witness statements, police reports, and anything else you can think of can be helpful. If you are injured after the accident, don’t jump out of the car and start taking photos. Call a loved one and have them come to the scene to assist you so that you can get the care you need. Do not put yourself in greater danger just to get evidence. Only do what you can do safely.
Once the accident scene has been cleared and your immediate medical care has been addressed, you will want to reach out to a Philadelphia car accident lawyer. Getting in touch right away will allow them to start doing their work for a prompt resolution. It also gives you time to heal and focus on restoring your life.
Insurance Traps and Cautions
It is wise not to talk to insurance companies without a lawyer or knowing what a lawyer advises. They are experts at getting people to settle or give statements contrary to what happened, which can jeopardize your chances of getting the outcome you deserve.
Insurance companies are looking out for themselves first. They want to pay the fewest claims and the least amount of dollars. That’s their goal, given that is how they make money. The sooner and cheaper they can settle, the better. Make sure that you don’t fall for any of their tactics. If you are thinking of bringing a claim then it is best to let your lawyer handle the communications with the insurance company.
If the insurance company calls and tries to offer you a quick settlement, don’t take it without talking to your lawyer. They might make it seem urgent and like the “only” offer that you’ll get, but the fact of the matter is that you have every right to negotiate for more. And if they don’t give you what you deserve in a settlement, your attorney can file a car accident lawsuit and aggressively pursue them for more money.
The sooner you take action, the better your odds are of winning your car accident case. Remember to protect yourself first and follow the advice of your car accident lawyer. They will always work with your best interests in mind and know how to hold the right people accountable to get an outcome in your favor.
Final Thoughts
Being the victim of any car accident is devastating, stressful, and often traumatizing for many. There are so many things going on, from injuries and medical care to dealing with damaged vehicles and trying to figure out precisely what happened in the first place. It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.
The last thing you need to be worried about right now is winning your lawsuit. You need to focus on healing, getting your life back on track, and caring for your family. With a reputable lawyer from Mattiacci Law on your side, you’ll never have to worry about a thing. Our expert lawyers will work to determine just how much your car accident lawsuit is worth and work to get the outcome that you deserve.
Reach out today to learn more or discuss your car accident lawsuit and learn how Mattiacci Law can handle it all.
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