A motor vehicle accident may leave you with major injuries and major medical bills. Your injuries may require extensive recovery and rehabilitation, causing you to miss work and lose wages.
Your focus should be on your physical recovery, but the reality is that major medical bills will likely cause you concern, especially if you are not working. Insurance companies involved will be quick to offer enticing settlements to cover your losses. However, litigation is an option you should consider.
Pros of litigation
When you take legal action, your attorney takes over your case. They gather evidence and witness statements to build your case. They speak to insurance companies for you, so you no longer have to deal with them. Choosing to litigate takes a certain amount of stress off of you as you trust your attorney to work on your behalf. You can focus on your recovery instead. During litigation, your attorney will also work to prove your pain and suffering and how the injuries will impact your future. The goal is to compensate you beyond the cost of your medical bills and lost wages.
Cons of litigation
The main con of litigation is the length of time it may take to resolve. There is rarely a quick fix. The steps involved in litigation take time and attention. It is not unusual for cases involving injuries from a motor vehicle accident to take years to conclude. Litigation is also a costly process. Court costs and attorney fees add up as the case progresses.
When you choose to litigate, you give up any initial settlement offers. The opposing side may approach your attorney with additional settlement offers as the case continues, but that may not happen. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, it is possible to walk away from litigation with no compensation for your injuries.