Do Car Accidents Go to Court? Understanding the Legal Process

Do car accidents go to court? It’s one of the first questions people ask after a crash. While it’s possible, most car accident claims never make it to a courtroom. Instead, the majority are resolved through insurance settlements. Still, there are times when filing a lawsuit is the only way to secure fair compensation.

Litigation Trigger Guide: When Do Car Accidents Go to Court?

If you’re wondering do car accidents go to court, it helps to know what triggers litigation. Most personal injury claims settle outside of court. However, certain situations may require a formal lawsuit.

Common Reasons Car Accident Cases Go to Court:

• Disputed liability – When it’s unclear who caused the accident
• Unfair settlement offers – When the insurance company offers too little
• Serious injuries or complex damages – When medical care is ongoing or future costs are unclear
• Uninsured or underinsured drivers – When insurance coverage doesn’t fully cover your losses
• Bad faith by the insurance company – When the insurer denies, delays, or mishandles your claim

In these cases, going to court may be necessary to protect your rights.

Settlement Trends Insight: Why Most Car Accident Cases Avoid Court

Despite the possibility of court, the truth is that most cases never get that far. So do car accidents go to court? Usually not. Roughly 95% of personal injury claims are settled out of court.

Why Most Claims Settle:

• Faster resolution
• Lower legal costs
• Less stress for all parties
• More control over the outcome
• Confidential agreements vs. public trials

Settlement negotiations typically begin after the accident victim has completed medical treatment or reached a stage of recovery where damages can be accurately assessed.

Court Process Overview: What Happens If a Car Accident Case Goes to Trial?

If you’re still asking do car accidents go to court, it’s helpful to understand what the litigation process looks like. Once a lawsuit is filed, it doesn’t mean a trial is guaranteed. Many lawsuits still settle before ever reaching the courtroom.

The Litigation Process:

1. Filing the lawsuit
2. Discovery phase – Both sides exchange evidence
3. Depositions – Witnesses and parties are interviewed under oath
4. Pre-trial motions and negotiations
5. Trial – If no settlement is reached, the case is presented before a judge or jury

Trials can take months or even years, but for high-value or complex claims, they may be worth the time and effort.

Trial Prep Reminder: Why You Should Be Ready Even If Court Is Rare

So, do car accidents go to court? In most cases, they don’t. The vast majority of accident claims are resolved through negotiation and settlement. However, when disputes arise over who’s at fault, when the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, or when injuries are severe, going to court becomes a necessary step in the fight for justice.

Having legal representation can make all the difference in how your claim is handled. Even if your case never reaches a courtroom, preparing as if it might gives you stronger leverage during settlement negotiations. Insurance companies tend to take claims more seriously when they know the injured party is ready and willing to go to trial if needed.

In the end, do car accidents go to court? Rarely—but when they do, it’s often because the injured person stood up for their rights. With the right attorney and a well-documented claim, you can pursue fair compensation confidently—whether through settlement or litigation.

Get Help with a Car Accident Case Today

Still wondering do car accidents go to court in your situation? Legal Brand Marketing connects accident victims with experienced attorneys who fight for full and fair compensation—whether through settlement or litigation.

Contact us today to speak with a legal professional and get the support you need after a crash.