Car Accident Arbitration
If you have been in a car accident that was not your fault, but that you are still dealing with the aftermath of, car accident arbitration might be an option for you. During a car accident arbitration hearing, you will be able to speak one-on-one with a car accident attorney who will represent you in the case. There are benefits to this type of legal representation, even if you ultimately decide against filing a lawsuit. First, you will only have to pay the attorney fees if you win your case. Second, there are usually no hearings or lengthy court proceedings involved. Lastly, you can often get peace of mind about the future by knowing that you will be able to get the medical care you need and possibly compensation for your pain and suffering.
After a car accident, your choices will initially seem quite limited. Part of what makes a car accident arbitration so devastating is the fact that your right to take legal action against the other party is almost nonexistent. During the time you spend recovering from your injuries and trying to make contact with your insurer, you are usually unable to discuss what happened without being questioned. In some states, there are mandatory arbitration hearings that take place before you are allowed to talk to an attorney. These proceedings often result in a quick settlement because the parties cannot agree on a settlement beforehand.
Why Choose Car Accident Arbitration
If you choose to go to court, you will probably find that you have a relatively short amount of time before the final decision is rendered. Because California law allows the use of anonymous judges, anyone sitting on the bench can effectively vote to allow the arbitrator to make the final decision. The typical California car accident arbitration timeline is much longer than a lengthy court proceeding. If the hearing doesn’t go as long as expected, you may be asked back again soon.
When you choose to pursue a case through car accident arbitration, you may feel as though you are facing a losing battle. Your insurance company may feel that it has a lot of the responsibility to settle the case quickly in order to avoid high expenses and possible losses. Although it may feel like you’re dealing with a rogue insurance company, it’s important to remember that you are only dealing with a trained arbitrator.
One of the best things about using a car accident arbitration hearing instead of a lengthy court proceeding is that it may seem like a hassle but it really isn’t. You won’t have to wait for a judge to decide on your case and you will likely not need a lawyer. Arbitration is binding, so the insurance company cannot ask you to repay anything before the case ends.
Another benefit of arbitration is that you don’t have to worry about the expense of a lengthy lawsuit. You don’t have to hire a private attorney or pay huge legal fees unless you choose to sue the company in court. If you choose to pursue a case in court, you may find that it takes years before the case goes to trial. Even then, you may end up paying a small fortune because of jury awards and legal fees. If you opt for an arbitrator instead, you will be able to get a decision within a very short period of time.
