Probably not. The vast majority of Tennessee truck accident cases resolve through settlement negotiations before ever reaching a courtroom. Insurance companies generally prefer to settle because trials are expensive and carry the risk of a larger verdict than what they could have paid at the negotiating table. That said, settling is only the right move when the offer on the table actually reflects the full value of your claim. When it does not, trial may be exactly where your case needs to go.
Your attorney’s ability and willingness to take a case to trial also influences how the insurance company treats you from the start. Insurers know which Nashville, TN truck accident law firms settle every case quickly and which ones have a reputation for following through in court. If your lawyer is someone the defense takes seriously as a trial attorney, you are more likely to see a better offer before litigation ever becomes necessary.
Why Most Truck Accident Cases Settle Before Reaching a Jury
Settlement is the default outcome in truck accident claims for a few practical reasons. Trials are costly for both sides. The trucking company’s insurer has to pay its own legal team, bring in expert witnesses, and dedicate significant resources to defending the case in court. When the evidence of negligence is clear, that is money the insurer would rather not spend.
There is also the element of control. A settlement lets both parties agree on a specific number. A trial hands that decision to a jury, and neither side can predict exactly what a jury will award. For the insurance company, a bad verdict could mean paying out far more than the settlement amount they turned down. That risk alone motivates many insurers to resolve claims before the courtroom doors open.
Most settlements happen during or after the discovery phase of a lawsuit, once both sides have exchanged evidence and have a realistic picture of where they stand. Your attorney may also pursue mediation, where a neutral third party helps both sides work toward an agreement outside of court.
When Taking Your Case to Trial May Be Wise
While settlement is more common, there are specific situations where going to trial becomes the better path forward:
- The insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer. Some insurers will lowball victims regardless of how strong the evidence is, betting that the injured person would rather accept less than face a lengthy court process.
- Liability is being disputed. If the trucking company denies responsibility entirely or tries to shift the majority of blame onto you under Tennessee’s comparative fault law, a jury may need to decide who was actually at fault.
- Your injuries are catastrophic and the stakes are high. Cases involving permanent disability, spinal cord damage, or wrongful death often carry damages that insurers are unwilling to pay voluntarily. A jury verdict may be the only way to recover full compensation.
Going to trial is not something to fear when you have strong evidence and an experienced attorney managing the process. In some cases, it is the only realistic path to a fair outcome.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Tennessee Truck Accident Attorney
Whether your case settles or goes to trial, the outcome depends heavily on the preparation your attorney puts in from day one. A lawyer who builds every case as if it is headed to court will put you in the strongest possible position no matter which direction things go.
Our truck accident lawyers with Woodard Injury Law work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing in terms of attorney’s fees unless your case results in compensation. Call 615-640-1487 today to schedule a free consultation and learn more.