In many instances, if you are involved in an auto accident in Washington that was not your fault, you can make a settlement without the need to file a lawsuit. In order to make this happen, you need to speak to a competent attorney – someone who is well-experienced in this area of the law.
When a Lawsuit Is Arbitrated
However, if a lawsuit is filed with one of the firms represented by accident injury attorneys in Mount Vernon, WA, it is placed in the court’s arbitration program. This is a lawsuit that involves an amount under $50,000. If the damages exceed $50,000, then the lawsuit will be accorded a regular case schedule and scheduled for a trial date about a year in the future.
How Long Does Arbitration Take?
According to accident injury attorneys, an arbitrated case is normally resolved in about four months’ time. Either party in the case can appeal the final decision and ask for a jury trial. However, it usually is in the best interest of both parties to honor the decision of the court.
Using Mediation to Resolve a Case
If a case is not arbitrated and is placed on a regular trial calendar, there is normally an additional dispute resolution process that is included in the case scheduling. In this instance, most parties will select mediation as part of the dispute resolution protocol. In fact, according to accident injury attorneys, mediation is often the rule in most cases today – regardless of the amount in monetary damages.
Where to Obtain Further Information
In most instances, it is better to hold off on filing a lawsuit unless you fully know what types of injuries you possess, so the damages can be calculated more accurately. You can prevail in this sort of case by taking photos, filing a police report, and tending to any medical problems immediately.
