A Tampa accident attorney discusses settlement versus litigation
What Should You Do if You Have Tampa Accident Injuries?
There is more than one way to seek a resolution if you are injured in an accident. The two most common ones are negotiation and litigation. Here is an explanation of what each method typically involves:
Negotiation
Negotiation entails having a discussion, or series of discussions, with the at-fault person's insurance carrier and his or her attorney. Do not worry: you do not have to walk into this situation alone. Your Tampa accident lawyer will go over the case with you thoroughly before you ever meet with the other parties.
One of the biggest benefits to negotiation is that it is generally less time-consuming and stressful than a trial. There is no waiting for your case to come up on the court docket, or having to take the witness stand, or endure a host of other difficult experiences.
However, negotiation is not without its drawbacks. Typically, compensation amounts tend to be smaller in these situations, and punitive damages cannot be sought as they can be with a jury trial. In addition, the at-fault person and their attorneys may not be amenable to negotiation, in which case you are left no choice but to take the matter to court with the help of an experienced trial Florida personal injury lawyer.
Litigation
Litigation means taking your legal matter to court. There, your Tampa accident attorney will advocate on your behalf, arguing the reasons why you deserve the requested compensation. The counsels for the defense will speak on behalf of their client, explaining why any damages awarded to the victim should be limited—or, in some cases, ruled out.
The biggest benefit to litigation is that the compensation amounts awarded tend be larger than those negotiated through settlements. Some victims also feel strongly that they should be able to have their side of the story heard in court.
Drawbacks include the length of time that a trial can take, as litigation typically lasts longer than negotiations. Victims can also find court proceedings to be emotionally draining, and many do not want to suffer any more than they already have as a result of the accident.
Contact our Tampa accident law firm today
Dependable. Assertive. Effective. Carey & Leisure knows the qualities that good personal injury law firm in Tampa should have. If you or were injured—or a loved was injured or killed—by the negligence of another in the state of Florida or the cities of Clearwater, Saint Petersburg or Tampa, contact our firm at 800-927-0400 to arrange a free consultation and case evaluation.
