The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C.

Chicago Illinois Accident Lawyers

Call us: (312) 263-1080

  • Home
  • About
    • Attorney Barry G. Doyle
  • Free Info
    • Library
    • Free Books and Reports
    • Video
    • FAQs
    • Blog
  • Practice Areas
    • Auto Accident
    • Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Lawsuits
    • Slip And Fall Accident
    • Work Related Personal Injury
    • Wrongful Death Lawsuits
    • Construction Accidents
    • Motorcycle Crashes
    • Trucking Accidents
    • Dog Bite Attacks
    • Lawsuits and Claims Against the CTA
    • Train Accidents
    • Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA)
    • Medical Malpractice
    • Prescription Medication Errors | Pharmacist Malpractice
    • Dangerous Defective Products Suits
    • Dangerous Children’s Products
    • Dangerous Prescription Medications
    • Dangerous Medical Devices and Equipment
  • Our Case Results
  • What Our Clients Say
  • Contact

It is important not to make snap decisions when it comes to settlements in auto accident lawsuits.

If you are injured in an auto accident, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the person or entity that caused the crash. If a family member is killed in an accident, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party. But the vast majority of these lawsuits never make it to trial; they are usually settled out of court in private agreements between the plaintiff and the defendant.

As a result, most plaintiffs in auto accident lawsuits are presented with a settlement offer at some point during the litigation process. This offer almost always consists of the defendant paying out a sum of money in exchange for the litigant agreeing to both drop the current lawsuit and to not sue the defendant again over this accident in the future. Therefore, the plaintiffs are faced with a question: should they accept the settlement offer?

The most important thing to keep in mind is not to make a snap decision on any settlement offer. Some plaintiffs may see a five- or six-figure (or even seven-figure) monetary amount and assume that they will be rich beyond belief. But in reality, much of the sum will go toward outstanding medical bills and related costs, and the rest probably won’t be enough to live on forever. On the other hand, other plaintiffs might turn up their noses at what they consider to be an inferior offer without thinking it through.

One big factor in deciding whether to take a settlement offer is the strength of the specific auto accident case. Sometimes, the blame for a given accident is pretty clear. Other times, the details and facts are murkier and could be construed to portray the defendant as not liable (or even to place some of the blame on the plaintiff). In short, the weaker the case, the more thought that should be given to accepting a potential settlement.

But there are other aspects of an auto accident case to consider, such as:

  • the current financial situation of the plaintiff
  • settlement amounts in previous auto accident cases of a similar nature
  • how friendly a given jurisdiction is to auto accident plaintiffs
  • whether a judge or jury will decide the case
  • the biases and attitudes of the judge toward auto accident plaintiffs
  • the potential jury pool and its members’ biases and attitudes toward auto accident plaintiffs
  • the overall climate for auto accident cases and cash awards to plaintiffs

In the end, every plaintiff should rely heavily on the advice or expertise of his or her auto accident lawyer. These attorneys have a firm knowledge of the monetary value of these types of cases, the rules and biases surrounding these cases, and the likelihood of receiving a higher settlement offer in the future. That’s why it’s vital that you are represented by an experience attorney in your auto accident lawsuit.

 

Contact Us

Please Wait...
Success!
Something is wrong with your submission.

Practice Areas

  • Auto Accident
  • Slip And Fall Accidents
  • Work Related Personal Injury
  • Wrongful Death
  • Construction Accidents

New Free Book

Free Book: Myths and Mistakes About Illinois Personal Injury Cases

Myths & Mistakes: How Illinois Accident Victims Wreck Their Own Personal Injury Cases

Get the book

What our clients are saying

I would highly recommend Barry to anyone seeking an attorney.
—John

I would absolutely, unequivocally say that Barry Doyle is a top injury attorney.
—Cedric McL.

Barry took the time to make me feel that my case and my feelings were important to him. He’s not your typical attorney.
—Pam

Read more testimonials
Call us:
(312) 263-1080
facebook icon google plus icon twitter icon youtube icon
Locations

Skokie, IL

  • 4709 West Golf Road, Suite 1140
    Skokie, IL 60076
  • Phone: (312) 263-1080
  • Get Directions

Chicago, IL

  • By appointment only:
    10 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2160
    Chicago, IL 60603
  • Phone: (312) 263-1080
  • Get Directions

Orland Park, IL

  • By appointment only:
    15255 South 94th Avenue, 5th Floor
    Orland Park, IL 60462
  • Phone: (312) 263-1080
  • Get Directions
Email Us
Please Wait...
Success!
Something is wrong with your submission.
© 2021 The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C., All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission Privacy Policy