If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, it might be necessary to go to court for your Utah injury claim because settlement negotiations have stalled. This can happen when the defendant and their attorney consistently offer compensation that would not cover your present or even your future damages and losses. In that case, your attorney will prepare for trial before a judge and jury.
At Valiente Mott, our Salt Lake City car accident lawyers are ready to help you review your options during a free consultation. We can review your case and answer your questions.
Why is court necessary?
There are a few circumstances where you might be required to appear in court for our personal injury case. Thankfully, an attorney can appear on your behalf for the vast majority of hearings in these situations. However, you can expect to receive a summons to appear at trial. If you do not show up, the court will dismiss your case.
In addition to court, you could also be required to appear at a deposition as part of the discovery process. Discovery is the stage of an injury trial where both sides provide copies of their evidence to each other. This includes depositions, which are informal proceedings where attorneys can ask witnesses questions regarding their future testimony at trial. If you refuse to participate in this process, the court could dismiss your case.
You do not have to go to court if you settle
If you reach a settlement with the other party, you do not have to appear at trial. Often, settlements are possible early on in the case—even before you file a lawsuit. In some cases, you might be able to reach a settlement after a lawsuit but before a trial date is set.
You do not have to go to court if you rely on PIP coverage
There is no need to go to court if you rely on personal injury protection—or PIP—insurance coverage. Utah is a no-fault insurance state, meaning that you often must rely on your own insurance coverage to pay for your damages in an accident. This is the case even if you are not at fault. There are times when it is possible to pursue legal action outside of the no-fault system. However, if you opt to rely on PIP coverage you will never need to go to court.
Call an attorney about your Utah accident claim
Going to court might seem scary, but most cases are resolved without the need for court appearances. A Salt Lake City auto accident attorney could help you resolve your claim and get the compensation you deserve. If you are required to appear in court, the team at Valiente Mott could make sure you are prepared. Call today for a free consultation.