If you’ve been catastrophically injured in a Virginia car crash because of someone else’s negligence, it’s natural to wonder: Will my case actually go to trial?
It’s a question we hear all the time. When we speak with our clients, we often talk about “what would happen at trial” or “how a jury might view your case.” But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re headed to court. Let’s break it down.
Most Virginia Car Crash Cases Settle.
The truth is, the vast majority of car accident cases in Virginia settle before trial. Some cases settle shortly after the crash, especially when the injuries are straightforward and liability is clear.
However, in more serious or complex cases—particularly those involving catastrophic injuries—settlement often doesn’t come until deep into litigation. Why? Because insurance companies usually won’t take a case seriously until we’ve demonstrated that we’re fully prepared to take it all the way to trial.
Prepare Like You’re Going to Trial.
Even though most cases settle, we advise every client to prepare as if their case will go before a jury. That means:
- Working closely with expert witnesses
- Gathering testimony from lay witnesses
- Practicing your own testimony and understanding the trial process
Why go through all that if we hope to settle? Because being prepared sends a clear message to the insurance company: we’re serious. And that often leads to better settlement offers.
Sometimes, Trial Is the Only Way to Get Fair Compensation.
In catastrophic injury cases, insurance companies may try to undervalue your claim. They might:
- Downplay the severity of your injuries
- Question the legitimacy of your pain or symptoms
- Or even accuse you of exaggerating or lying
When that happens, being prepared to take your case to a jury might be the only way to get the compensation you truly deserve.
So… Will You Go to Trial?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether your case goes to trial depends on several factors:
- How willing the insurance company is to negotiate fairly
- The strength and weaknesses of your case
- Your personal comfort with risk
We’ve seen clients with nearly identical facts make opposite decisions: one settles to avoid risk, the other goes to trial confident that a jury will see the truth.
Final Thoughts
If you’re facing a serious car crash claim in Virginia, your case might go to trial—but chances are, it will settle. The key is to be prepared either way. With the right legal strategy and preparation, you’ll be in the strongest position to achieve the best outcome—whether that’s at the negotiating table or in front of a jury.
Still have questions?
Make sure to check out our Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Practice Pages where we’ve answered many other questions you likely have. Abrenio Law is a Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Law Firm representing individuals in Northern Virginia and throughout the Commonwealth. You can learn more about Abrenio Law by visiting our About Us page. You can also read about some of our Prior Results, and Read Our Reviews. Make sure to contact us at Ph. 703-570-4180 for your Free Consultation.