How Do I Know When I Should Settle My Bicycle Accident Claim In Woodland Hills? Is That Usually Better Than Going To Trial?

When to settle and whether to settle or go to trial is always a decision that you want to make with your lawyer. Remember that you, as the client, always have the right to settle. Never forget that it is your case, not your lawyer’s case. You want to make the best and most rational informed decision that you can. Only an experienced lawyer that actually takes cases to trial can help you understand the benefits versus the risks of going to trial and advise you properly. There is no guarantee of a result in trial when you put the outcome of your case in the hands of 12 jurors. There is a potential that you can recover all of your damages and sometimes more than you asked for. That is why you go to trial. But there is also the potential to get less from a jury.

Work with your attorney and determine what are the costs of going to trial, what are the chances of doing better, what are the chances of doing worse, and are you willing to accept that risk. Once you understand these factors, you can make an informed decision.

How Are Bicycle Accident Settlement Amounts Calculated?

As with any injury settlement, the settlement amount starts first with understanding liability issues. Is the case 100% the fault of the other party or something less than 100%? This is important because you need to know if your claim is likely to bring you 100% of your damages or something less. Next, you must evaluate the nature and extent of your injuries, damages and losses. This would include your medical bills, loss of income and other losses. Is your injury permanent? Will you require medical care in the future? How do your injuries affect your life and your ability to engage in activities of daily living. Your experienced attorney can explain all of these factors and help you understand the potential value of your claim. Once the case is settled with the other party, you need to determine what is owed and outstanding for medical bills, legal costs, if any, such as fees charged by the court to file a lawsuit, expert witness fees and deposition fees, to name but a few. Your lawyer’s fees also will also be taken into account.

There are two numbers that you, as the client, will be very concerned with. The first is the number that the defendant is willing to pay. That is the gross settlement amount. The second number is equally important to you. It is making sure that you get as much of the settlement as possible. That is the net settlement amount. You and your lawyer must keep this second number in mind to balance the value of your claim and the costs and expenses to get a recovery from the responsible party or insurance company.

For more information on Bicycle Accidents Law In California, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (818) 530-1770 today.