Do I Have to Go to Court After a Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston, Texas, you may be wondering whether you’ll have to go to court to receive compensation. The idea of a long and costly legal battle can be overwhelming, especially if you are recovering from injuries. Fortunately, the majority of car accident claims settle out of court.
However, there are situations where litigation becomes necessary. Our Houston car accident lawyers at Zehl & Associates are undefeated in court. We’ve obtained billions in compensation for our clients. We’ll advise you on whether trial is necessary in your case, or whether we can pursue a settlement that fully compensates you for your damages.We’ve recovered billions for our clients, and we have the largest verdicts and settlements in Texas. Contact us today at (888) 603-3636 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our top-rated legal team.
Table of Contents
- How Can Zehl & Associates Help If I’m Injured in a Houston Car Accident?
- Will I Have to Go to Court to Get Compensation After a Car Accident?
- What Happens If My Case Goes to Court?
- What If I Want to Settle My Case Without Going to Court?
- What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
- Contact the Undefeated Houston Car Accident Lawyers from Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers for Help Today, Call 1-888-603-3636
How Can Zehl & Associates Help If I’m Injured in a Houston Car Accident?
At Zehl & Associates, we know how overwhelming life can feel after a serious crash—and the idea of going to trial only adds to the stress. That’s why our undefeated Houston car accident lawyers prepare every case like it’s going to court, even though many of our clients recover record-breaking settlements before trial. Why? Because companies know we’re ready to beat them in front of a jury if they don’t pay what you fully deserve.
When you hire our top-rated Houston car accident attorneys, you’re choosing a team that will stop at nothing to maximize your recovery, including:
- Ensuring you receive the best medical treatment and care available
- Covering your medical bills and reasonable living expenses while your case is pending
- Assembling a powerhouse team of lawyers, accident reconstructionists, and safety experts to independently investigate the crash and uncover the truth
- Accurately calculating your damages as part of our meticulous approach to securing record-breaking compensation
- Refusing to settle for less than full compensation for your injuries and losses
- Preparing your case for trial from day one—so if the defendant refuses to pay what you deserve, they’ll face us in the courtroom, where we remain undefeated
With a 100% success rate and an unparalleled record at trial, our results speak for themselves—and so do the settlements that often follow. Contact our Houston personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions, explain your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.
Will I Have to Go to Court to Get Compensation After a Car Accident?
Most car accident cases do not go to trial. In fact, around 95% of personal injury claims settle out of court.
Whether you will need to go to court depends on various factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries: If your injuries are minor and your medical expenses are low, your claim is more likely to settle quickly. However, if you have suffered serious or permanent injuries, the insurance company may dispute the value of your claim, making litigation more likely.
- The insurance company’s willingness to negotiate: If the insurer undervalues your damages or refuses to negotiate a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit may be necessary.
- The complexity of your case: If liability is unclear or multiple parties are involved, your case may require additional legal proceedings to determine fault.
- The value of your claim: High-value claims are more likely to face pushback from insurance companies, increasing the chances of a lawsuit.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can often negotiate a favorable settlement without the need for court. However, if the insurer refuses to cooperate, your attorney should be ready to litigate your case in front of a judge.
What Happens If My Case Goes to Court?
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial. While this may sound daunting, it may be the only way to recover full compensation for your damages. Having a skilled attorney by your side can make the process smoother.
Here’s what to expect if your case goes to court:
- Filing a Lawsuit: Your attorney will file a legal complaint against the at-fault party, outlining the damages you are seeking.
- Discovery Phase: Both sides will exchange evidence, take depositions, and gather expert testimony to support their claims.
- Pre-Trial Negotiations: Even after filing a lawsuit, many cases settle before going to trial. Your attorney will continue negotiating for a fair settlement.
- Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, your case will go before a judge or jury, who will determine the outcome.
Our undefeated trial lawyers can help you understand whether your case will go to court—and what we’ll do to obtain a top compensation award for your losses.
What If I Want to Settle My Case Without Going to Court?
Settlement is often the preferred route for accident victims and insurance companies because it is faster and avoids the unpredictability of a trial. A top-rated Houston car accident attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you accept a settlement, you will sign a release agreement stating that you will not pursue further legal action against the at-fault party. Before agreeing to any settlement, it’s important to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer to ensure the offer covers all your damages.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
Whether you settle or go to court, you may be entitled to compensation for two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover your financial losses; non-economic damages cover your personal losses. In cases involving egregious negligence, punitive damages may also be available.
If you do have to go to court to seek damages, you will have limited time to file your claim. Texas’s statute of limitations typically gives you two years to file your claim. The time period starts on the date of your accident. If you fail to initiate your lawsuit by the deadline, you will be barred from recovering compensation in court.
Contact the Undefeated Houston Car Accident Lawyers from Zehl & Associates for Help Today, Call 1-888-603-3636
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Houston, Zehl & Associates is here to help. We have a proven track record of securing life-changing settlements and verdicts for our clients. Whether your case settles out of court or goes to trial, we will fight for the compensation you deserve.
For more information, please contact our Undefeated car accident attorneys in Houston, Texas at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours