Do I Have to Go to Court for a Car Accident Claim in Miami?

After a car accident in Miami, filing a claim for compensation can be stressful and overwhelming. Many people worry about whether they will need to go to court to resolve their claim, especially if they are facing high medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. The good news is that most car accident claims in Miami are settled outside of court through negotiations with the insurance company. However, there are situations where going to court might be necessary to secure fair compensation.

This guide will explain when you can resolve a car accident claim without court involvement, when a court case might be needed, and how an experienced Miami car accident lawyer can help you through the process.

How Car Accident Claims Are Typically Resolved in Miami

In most cases, car accident claims are resolved through settlements with the insurance company. After you have finished your treatment and your injuries have been diagnosed, you and your attorney would negotiate a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, or your uninsured/underinsured insurance company, to cover your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

It is important to note that it can take time to negotiate these settlements. You never want to negotiate a settlement while you are still treating with your doctors for your injuries. If you do, you will be underselling your case.

You only get one chance to settle your case related to the injuries you sustained in a car accident. Once you settle, you cannot go back to the insurance company later and ask for more money for injuries that have gotten worse or manifested after you settle. That is why it is so important to be patient, make sure your injuries have been completely diagnosed, and do as much treatment as you feel comfortable doing before attempting to resolve your case. 

Why Settlements Are Preferred

Settling a claim outside of court is usually faster, less costly, and less stressful than going to trial. It also provides more certainty, as both parties agree on a specific compensation amount rather than leaving the decision to a judge or jury. For these reasons, most parties prefer to settle, and insurance companies are often willing to negotiate a fair settlement to avoid the time and expense of litigation.

When You Might Need to Go to Court

While many car accident claims can be settled without going to court, there are situations where a lawsuit may be necessary to receive fair compensation. Here are some common reasons why going to court might be the best option:

1. The Insurance Company Denies Your Claim

One of the most common reasons people end up going to court is that the insurance company denies their claim. This can happen if the insurer disputes liability, questions the severity of your injuries, or believes your claim lacks sufficient evidence. If the insurance company won’t cover your damages, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to fight for your compensation. There is no law in Florida that mandates an insurance company to offer an accident victim compensation. If the insurance company denies your claim, your only remedy is to file a lawsuit.

2. The Insurance Company Offers a Low Settlement

Insurance companies sometimes offer low settlements, especially if they believe you’ll accept a quick payout to avoid the hassle of a court case. If the settlement offer doesn’t cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages, your attorney may recommend taking the case to court to pursue the full amount you deserve.

3. Your Injuries Are Severe or Long-Term

If your injuries are severe, you may require ongoing medical care, long-term rehabilitation, or even be permanently unable to work. In these cases, your attorney may recommend going to court to pursue damages that fully account for your future needs.

4. Liability Is Disputed

If the at-fault driver or their insurance company disputes who was responsible for the accident, it can complicate the settlement process. In some cases, both parties may share fault for the accident. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Florida Statute § 768.81), which allows accident victims to recover damages even if they are partially at fault, although their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. However, if an accident victim is greater than 50% at fault, their recovery will be completely barred. When liability is disputed, it may be necessary to take the case to court to establish fault and pursue the compensation you deserve.

5. The Insurance Company Uses Delay Tactics

Insurance companies may use delay tactics, such as taking a long time to respond to your claim or requesting unnecessary documentation, in hopes that you’ll become frustrated and accept a lower settlement. If the insurance company is uncooperative or delays your claim for an unreasonable length of time, your lawyer may advise going to court to push for a timely resolution.

What to Expect If You Go to Court for a Car Accident Claim

If your case proceeds to court, it will likely go through the following stages:

1. Filing a Lawsuit

Your attorney will file a complaint, formally initiating a lawsuit against the at-fault party or their insurance company. This document outlines your claim, the damages you are seeking, and the basis for the defendant’s liability.

2. Discovery Phase

During the discovery phase, both parties gather evidence, exchange documents, and conduct depositions to build their cases. This phase may include collecting medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.

3. Mediation or Settlement Negotiations

Before going to trial, many cases go through mediation, where both sides meet with a neutral third party to negotiate a settlement. In some instances, the parties may reach an agreement during mediation, avoiding the need for a trial.

4. Trial

If mediation fails and no settlement is reached, the case will proceed to trial. During the trial, both sides present their arguments, call witnesses, and provide evidence to support their claims. After hearing the evidence, the judge or jury will decide whether the defendant is liable and, if so, determine the compensation amount.

Do You Have to Go to Court If You Hire a Lawyer?

Hiring a lawyer does not automatically mean your case will go to court. In fact, most experienced car accident attorneys are skilled negotiators who can resolve your claim without the need for litigation. A lawyer will handle negotiations with the insurance company, gather evidence, and build a strong case to maximize your chances of reaching a favorable settlement.

However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer will be prepared to take the case to court and advocate on your behalf. Having an attorney on your side not only strengthens your case but also provides you with guidance on whether to accept a settlement or proceed to trial.

Common Myths About Going to Court for Car Accident Claims

Let’s clear up some common misconceptions about going to court for a car accident claim:

• Myth 1: “If I file a lawsuit, I’m definitely going to trial.”
  Filing a lawsuit doesn’t mean you’ll go to trial. Many cases are resolved during pre-trial stages, including negotiation or mediation, without the need to go to court.
• Myth 2: “Trials always result in higher compensation.”
  While trials sometimes result in larger verdicts, they are also unpredictable. There’s no guarantee that you’ll receive more by going to court, which is why it’s essential to carefully evaluate settlement offers.
• Myth 3: “Going to court is quick and easy.”
  Court cases often take months or even years to resolve, especially if there are multiple parties involved or complex issues of liability. Settlements are typically faster and less stressful.

Do You Need to Go to Court for a Miami Car Accident Claim?

In most Miami car accident cases, going to court is not necessary. With a strong case and effective negotiation, many accident victims can secure fair compensation through a settlement with the insurance company. However, in situations where the insurer denies your claim, offers an inadequate settlement, or disputes liability, going to court may be the best option.

If you’re unsure whether to settle or pursue litigation, consult with an experienced Miami car accident lawyer. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we help clients make informed decisions about their claims and are prepared to take cases to court when necessary.

Contact us today at 305-638-4143 for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the best path to recovery.