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When does a car accident go to court? In Florida, most cases settle before ever reaching a courtroom, but not all. If a settlement can’t be reached or if the other driver’s insurance company refuses to take responsibility, your case may proceed to trial. Understanding how and when this happens can help you prepare for what’s ahead and feel more confident about the process.
At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, our experienced West Palm Beach auto accident attorneys guide clients through every stage of a car accident claim. We’re here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Here’s what to expect from the legal process and when your case might need to go to court.
Stages of Florida car accident cases
Lawsuits are the legal process through which an injured person seeks compensation for damages like medical bills, car repairs, pain and suffering, and more. In a car accident case, that often means pursuing accountability from a negligent driver. The case will proceed to trial unless both sides settle out of court.
Here’s how the process usually unfolds:
- File the lawsuit: Your attorney will officially file a car accident lawsuit in civil court, starting the legal process
- Discovery phase: Both sides exchange information, investigate the facts, and gather evidence to support their arguments
- Trial: Each party will present its case before a judge or jury and challenge the other side’s claims
- Verdict: The jury deliberates and reaches a verdict to determine who is legally at fault for the accident.
If the jury rules in your favor (as the injured party), they’ll award damages. This may include compensation for financial losses, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages to hold the defendant further accountable. Once the judge approves the verdict, the case is considered closed.
Many car accident claims in Florida don’t reach this stage. At any point along the way, both parties can agree to settle the matter without going to trial.
Potential outcomes for your car accident case
Once you notify the defendant of the lawsuit filed against them, one of three things can happen:
- They accept liability and your proposed damages. They agree to the settlement amount, issue payment, and resolve your case.
- They accept liability but dispute the damages. The defense may propose a lower figure if the amount you’re seeking exceeds the at-fault driver’s insurance limits. Your attorney may negotiate with the insurance company to secure the maximum available under the policy. If both sides agree on the new terms, the insurer pays, and the case is closed.
- They deny liability altogether. If the defendant disputes fault, your case may need to proceed to trial so a judge or jury can decide the outcome.
Even though most claims settle, cases going to court still happen, especially when liability is denied or the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. And if the defendant initially rejects your personal injury attorney’s demand letter, they may reconsider once discovery begins. The insurance company might realize how strong your case is, and that it could cost them more to fight and lose than to offer a fair settlement.
One thing to note: You have a measure of control over the outcome of your car accident lawsuit, too. You can accept the settlement or tell your lawyer that you don’t want to settle and would rather go to trial.
Should I accept a settlement offer or go to trial?
Going to court isn’t always necessary, but sometimes, it’s the best option. Most of the time, people choose trial because the insurance company’s settlement offer is simply too low.
Your case is closed once you accept a settlement and a judge approves it. You can’t ask for more money later, even if your medical bills keep piling up or your car is a total loss. For example, if your damages total $25,000 and the insurer only offers $15,000, it may be worth rejecting the insurance company’s settlement offer and going to trial to pursue the full amount.
There’s another reason your attorney might recommend going to court: punitive damages. These are different from compensation for your medical bills or lost wages. Punitive damages are meant to punish drivers whose actions were especially reckless, like driving under the influence, speeding through a school zone, or street racing.
Unlike other types of compensation, punitive damages are only available through a jury verdict. If the at-fault driver isn’t facing criminal charges, this may be your only opportunity to hold them truly accountable.
Learn more about when a car accident goes to court
Navigating the legal process after a car accident can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also dealing with injuries, medical bills, and calls from insurance adjusters. If you’re unsure whether your case will settle or proceed to trial, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath.
As trusted Florida trial attorneys, we’re committed to helping you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. From day one, we’ll walk you through every step of your claim. We offer a free consultation to help you determine if you have a case. Call us at (561) 655-1990 or use our online form to schedule an appointment today.