When Is It Worth A Law Suit For Car Accident?

When Is It Worth Filing a Law Suit For a Car Accident? 

There are some instances when filing a lawsuit for a car accident is not worth it. Typically, the value of the property damaged in the accident is not enough to warrant filing a lawsuit. However, if the value of property damage is high enough, it might be worth filing a lawsuit.

(Looking for a “collision attorney“? Contact us today!)

Taking your case to small claims court 

When you are unable to reach an agreement with the other party in a car accident, you can take your case to small claims court. This court will hear your case, as well as that of the defendant. You must have evidence to support your claim. The police report is a valuable piece of evidence in a car accident case. 

Taking your case to small claims court will allow you to save time and money. In addition to avoiding the cost of a lawyer, small claims court allows you to be self-represented. This is called “pro se” and involves presenting evidence. In addition, if you can’t speak English well, you can use the court’s interpreters to assist you. 

Documenting everything after the accident 

If you’ve been in a car accident, documentation is key to proving your case. Whether the accident was your fault or the fault of another driver, it is essential to document every detail. The details you write down can prove invaluable later when you file a lawsuit. 

In addition to documenting every detail of the accident, it is important to have a legal team to argue your case. Attorneys aren’t afraid to refute any false allegations made by the other side. If you can make your case convincingly, you’ll most likely get a higher settlement. 

Documenting injuries 

Documenting your injuries when filing a lawsuit for car accidents is critical. This means getting medical attention right away and documenting the extent of your injuries. You’ll need to be able to show the insurance company the injuries you sustained, as well as the damage to your vehicle. This way, you can streamline the claims process. 

If possible, keep a detailed journal about your recovery. This way, you can provide detailed information to your doctors, and it may even help you recover additional damages. 

Punitive damages 

Punitive damages are a type of damages that a plaintiff can ask for in a car accident lawsuit. These are intended to punish an individual for a negligent act and to deter future bad behavior. To be awarded punitive damages, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant’s actions were willful or reckless. 

Punitive damages can be ten times the amount of compensatory damages. However, this is not a set rule; the jury will take into account the extent of the injury and the recklessness of the defendant. While compensatory damages aim to compensate an injured party, punitive damages are meant to punish the person or company responsible for the accident and deter others from repeating the same behavior in the future.