If you were hurt in a car accident in Nashville, the lawyer you choose can have a substantial impact on the eventual outcome of your case. Many attorneys advertise that they handle personal injury claims, but not all of them have actual courtroom experience. Working with a Tennessee auto accident lawyer who knows how to prepare and present a case at trial can increase your leverage with the insurance company and help you pursue the full amount you’re entitled to under state law.
Below is a closer look at why trial experience is so valuable when you’re choosing an attorney after a crash.
Trial Experience Gives Your Lawyer Stronger Negotiating Power
Most auto accident claims resolve in settlements, but insurance companies pay close attention to whether your attorney is prepared to go to court. It’s not unheard of for an insurance adjuster to keep records about which law firms routinely settle and which ones are willing to argue a case in front of a judge or jury.
When your lawyer has a proven history of taking cases to trial, you could benefit from:
- Greater leverage during settlement talks
- A reduced chance of lowball offers
- A more serious response from the insurance company
- A lawyer who will not settle your case for less than what it’s worth just to avoid trial
Insurers also often want to avoid the time and cost that a jury trial takes. Choosing a lawyer who has shown they can win in the courtroom can potentially lead to stronger negotiation outcomes.
A Trial Lawyer Can Build Your Case More Effectively
Attorneys with courtroom experience prepare cases differently. They understand how to gather, organize, and present evidence in a way that will hold up under scrutiny. This level of preparation could benefit you regardless of whether your case never actually makes it to trial.
One reason for that is that this kind of preparation signals strength and credibility, which can force the opposing party to take your case more seriously from the start.
A Trial Lawyer Can Protect You if the Insurance Company Blames You
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault standard. This means you can lose your right to compensation if you’re found 50% or more at fault. Insurance companies know this and often try to shift blame onto the victim to reduce their own financial responsibility.
A lawyer with trial experience is trained to confront these tactics head-on. They know how to, for instance:
- Challenge weak evidence
- Cross-examine witnesses effectively
- Demonstrate the other driver’s negligence
- Present your side of the story in a clear and compelling way
If your case does end up in the courtroom, you’ll want an attorney on your side who is comfortable standing before a jury and defending you.
Contact a Qualified Tennessee Car Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Consultation
Your future after a car accident could depend, at least in part, on the strength of your legal representation. Choosing a car accident lawyer with trial experience can help you level the playing field and pursue the full amount of compensation you need to move forward.
If you’ve been injured in a crash, consider speaking with a qualified attorney at Woodard Injury Law for a free consultation at (615) 216-5757. We won’t hesitate to take your case to court and all the way to trial if necessary.