Do I Have to go to Court for a Car Accident?

Do I Have to go to Court for a Car Accident?

Car Accident Info

It is highly unlikely that you will have to go to court for a car accident case in Virginia. Of course, there are some exceptions, but most personal injury claims are resolved outside of the courtroom.

When you’re injured in a wreck caused by another motorist’s negligence, your car accident lawyer will build a claim for damages and work with the at-fault party’s insurance company toward a settlement package. The monetary compensation should reflect all of your losses from the accident, including wages, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced earning capacity, if any.

The Majority of Cases Settle Outside of Court

If the defendant’s insurance provider does not agree on the settlement amount or blatantly disputes liability, your car accident case may need to go to trial.

Insurance companies will always look for ways to pay as little as possible on accident claims. They may question the severity of your injuries and the credibility of your allegations and twist your own words to diminish the value of your case.

It is precisely situations where having experienced legal representation makes all the difference. A good car accident attorney is well-versed in these tactics and can deftly handle disputes by preparing a solid case with expert testimony demonstrating liability and the nature and severity of your car crash injuries.

A skilled legal advocate can accurately assess the value of your physical, emotional, and economic injuries and negotiate a settlement that meets your current and long-term needs.

Why do Some Cases go to trial?

However, suppose an insurance company continues to play hardball and refuses to offer fair compensation. In that case, your legal counsel will have to take the case to trial unless you are willing to accept the settlement offer.

At Rutter Mills, our lawyers prepare every case as if it were going before a jury, thereby improving the odds of negotiating a proper settlement. By collecting police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other convincing evidence, we can advance a strong case that shows insurance companies we have the resources and skills to win in the courtroom.

It is not unusual for multiple rounds of settlement negotiation until both sides reach a mutually acceptable amount that is fair and just. Even if a case goes to trial, a settlement can occur at any point before the judge’s or jury’s verdict.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

The car accident lawyers at Rutter Mills have been helping Virginia residents obtain the justice they deserve for more than 50 years. If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact our Norfolk or Newport News offices for a free case evaluation.

Contact a Rutter Mills attorney to speak about your case today.

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TESTIMONIALS

You don’t have to worry about the bills, just get healthy.

Dave Put His Trust in Us

Don’t Fall For The Insurance Company’s Games

Dave suffered serious injuries in a car accident. The defendant’s insurance company tried to offer him a low amount so Dave called Rutter Mills. We took over dealing with the insurance and got Dave the money he needed to get back on his feet.

They enabled me to be happy in life again.

Get Back On Track

Protecting Your Future

Glenn’s car accident changed his life, but not permanently thanks to the help of his Rutter Mills attorney. When the insurance companies wouldn’t help him, our team fought back and won.

I knew I needed Rutter Mills.

Fighting For What's Right

Getting Justice

On his way home from work at the shipyard, Dan was involved in an accident. He tried to file a claim on his own, but the insurance company wouldn’t give him the money he needed to put his life back on track. Dan knew he needed to call Rutter Mills.

They actually won my case 3 times!

Larena's Win

After her car accident, Larena asked her father, a local stevedore, for his advice on who to call. He recommended Rutter Mills. Her team of car accident experts at Rutter Mills fought back when the insurance companies tried to deny her the money she needed to recuperate from her injuries. We took her case to trial – and won. When the insurance company filed their appeals, we beat them again – two more times! Larena got the money she needed and the justice she deserved.

We’re going to immediately call Rutter Mills. That’s the people I trust with my baby girl.

Who Do You Trust With Your Family?

After a car accident, Jamaree’s first call was to her mom. She was shaken up and scared. Mom told her “We’re calling Rutter Mills. Her next was to Rutter Mills. Her Rutter Mills car accident team helped her get compensation “above & beyond” what she was expecting.

They lifted allot of stress off my shoulders. I recommend them to anybody because they WILL fight for you.

Who Can You Turn To?

Referrals From Friends and Family

After John was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, he turned to the person he trusts most for a recommendation. His wife, a paralegal of 30 years, told him to call Rutter Mills on the advice of the lawyer she worked for.

They really care for you as a person. Words cannot describe what Rutter Mills did for me and for my case.

When You Need Someone In Your Corner

Don’t Go It Alone

When the insurance company tried to get Carol to sign paperwork after her car accident, she knew she needed a lawyer. Carol knew she needed Rutter Mills.

When I called Rutter Mills, I knew it was the right fit. They’re so interested in helping you get justice.

Getting The Justice You Deserve

When Mom Needs Strength

Taryn was in a car accident while she was pregnant. She knew she needed someone in her corner to protect her rights and her family’s future.

There’s attorneys, then there’s Rutter Mills.

We're Here When The Unexpected Happens

Priorities

A devasting accident changed Levon’s life forever. The physical and emotional toll left him scared and in pain. When the insurance company for the defendant contacted the family, they made an offer that did not even cover the cost of the medication, much less doctors’ bills, and physical therapy. They knew they needed to talk to a serious lawyer. Rutter Mills took care of the negotiation so Levon could focus on healing.

When you’ve got a serious injury, you need a serious lawyer. That’s why we chose Rutter Mills.

Motorcycle Accidents Change Everything

When Ed was injured in a motorcycle crash, he knew he needed a serious lawyer to protect his rights. The insurance companies were fighting him every step of the way. Rutter Mills helped prove Ed’s case and get him the money he needed to get on the road to recovery.

With the seriousness of the accident, I knew that we needed a serious lawyer. I needed Rutter Mills.

Carol & Levon's Story

They knew they needed a serious lawyer when Carol and her son were seriously injured. After the other party’s insurance company tried to get her to settle for less than she needed, Carol called Rutter Mills for help. We took on the insurance company so she could focus on healing.