Settlement vs. Trial: What You Need to Know About Your Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit

Motorcycle riders in Alabama face their share of hazards every day. The beauty and freedom of cruising along the roads of our stunning state can have a dangerous downside. Negligent or aggressive drivers, poor weather, and roadway hazards can lead to serious motorcycle accidents that leave riders with significant injuries, costly medical bills, and daunting legal concerns.

One of the key decisions injured motorcyclists must grapple with is whether to settle their personal injury claim or fight it out in court. This is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your case, making it essential to understand your options and what they mean for your future. Stephen Thompson, an experienced personal injury attorney in Alabama, can skillfully guide you through this process.

Before we delve into the crux of this subject, let's clarify quickly what we mean when we talk about settlement and trial in a motorcycle accident case. 

Settlement is when the injured party (plaintiff) and the liable party (defendant) agree to resolve the dispute without going to trial, usually involving the defendant paying an agreed-upon sum to the plaintiff. On the other hand, a trial involves presenting the personal injury lawsuit before a jury or a judge in court. The court then decides on the validity of the lawsuit claims and, if necessary, the amount to be awarded to the injured party.

There are critical factors you should consider when deciding between a settlement and going to trial for your motorcycle accident lawsuit.

Time and Expense

Arguably, one of the most significant factors to consider is the time and expense involved in both scenarios. Generally, settlements are less expensive and quicker than going to trial. Trials can drag on for a considerably long time and involve high legal expenses, such as lawyer fees, court costs, expert witness fees, and others. 

Risk Factor 

Settling your motorcycle accident lawsuit gives you control of the outcome and offers a guaranteed level of compensation, albeit one that might be lower than what you could potentially obtain with a trial. On the other hand, going to trial is inherently riskier - it could lead to a higher payout, but there's also the danger that you could walk away with less or, in worst-case scenarios, nothing.

Confidentiality

Settlements are generally private affairs, while trials are public. If you have information you'd prefer to keep private, a settlement might serve you better.

Now that we understand these general concepts, let’s further discuss how Stephen Thompson, Alabama's motorcycle accident law specialist, can assist you in navigating your options.

Working with Stephen Thompson

When you work with Stephen Thompson, you get more than just a lawyer. You get a dedicated advocate who fights zealously for your compensation. He will carefully assess your case, gather evidence, negotiation with insurance companies, and tirelessly advocate for you, whether during settlement talks or in the courtroom.

Stephen will explain every step of the process, providing you with the essential information you need to make an informed decision. He understands that every case is unique, which means the best course of action differs based on the specifics of your motorcycle accident. 

Many prefer to avoid the cost, uncertainty, and emotional toll of a trial by opting for a fair settlement. Stephen's formidable negotiation skills regularly secure substantial settlements for his clients, sometimes even without the need to file a lawsuit.

However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, Stephen Thompson is well-prepared to take your case to trial. As an accomplished lawyer, he knows that defending your rights sometimes means needing to fight it out in court, and he is willing to go that extra distance for his clients.

In conclusion, the path to justice following a motorcycle accident, whether by settlement or trial, can be challenging. But enduring the legal process becomes more comfortable with an experienced guiding hand. In Alabama, Stephen Thompson is that experienced personal injury lawyer who stands by your side, helping you make essential decisions for your future. His experience, commitment, and passion make him the ideal choice for individuals seeking justice after a motorcycle accident. 

Whether a settlement negotiation or a courtroom trial is in your future, make it a point to consult with Stephen Thompson, Alabama's dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer, to ensure your rights are rightfully represented and protected. Remember, your recovery and your future may just depend on it.

Free Initial Strategy Session

All Initial Strategy Sessions are Free. If you would like to discuss your options, you are invited to fill out one of the Contact Forms. I will attempt to contact you if I think I can help you.

During your Initial Strategy Session, I will asist you in creating a strategy on how to best pursue your claim, whether it be the result of a Car Accident Claim, 18 Wheeler Injury, or, Alabama Workers' Compensation Claim. At your Initial Strategy Session, you will receive the following:

• First - I will listen to your story. You will have a chance to tell everything to someone who wants to hear what happened to you.
• Based on the information that you provide, I will give you my best advice on both what claims you have, and the next steps you should consider to proceed with your claim(s).
• If your claim is something that I think I can help you with, I will explain the services that I can provide for you, and what the next steps are that we should take. We will start working immediately.
• If your matter is something that I do not think I can help you with, then I will attempt to put you in contact with another lawyer that might be able to help you.
• Either way, what should happen is we will put to rest some of the unkowns that you may be experiencing. We will start to shed some light on what you can expect, and how to best pursue the benefits you deserve.

Don't delay getting the recovery you deserve! Contact us today for your free Strategy Session!