Do I Have to Go to Court After a Car Accident in Lancaster?

After being injured in a car accident in Lancaster, PA, you may be worried about what comes next. One of your biggest concerns might be whether you’ll have to appear in court to get compensation.

The car crash lawyers at Marzzacco Niven & Associates understand that uncertainty can add stress to an already difficult situation. With more than 120 years of combined experience, our team has represented accident victims in a variety of car accident cases. We have recovered tens of millions for clients injured in motor vehicle crashes and other accidents.

We’re here to guide you through the process and help you pursue the financial recovery you need. Contact our law office today at 717-231-1640 to schedule a free consultation.

How Can Marzzacco Niven & Associates Help After a Car Accident in Lancaster, PA?

How Can Marzzacco Niven & Associates Help After a Car Accident in Lancaster, PA?

If you were injured in a car accident, you should not have to carry the financial burden on your own. Whether your case ends up in court often depends on how your attorney handles negotiations and the willingness of the insurance company to engage in productive settlement negotiations.

At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, our Lancaster car accident attorneys can:

  • Investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove liability
  • Examine your losses
  • Communicate and negotiate directly with the insurance company on your behalf
  • Work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals to strengthen your claim
  • Represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached

Our personal injury lawyers are skilled in building strong cases that encourage insurers to resolve claims without forcing clients into litigation. That said, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach strengthens your position during negotiations and helps ensure that we are ready if a court becomes necessary.

Most car accident claims settle without a trial, but that does not guarantee the settlement will be fair. Our firm has earned a reputation for standing firm against lowball offers.

Call Marzzacco Niven & Associates to schedule a free consultation. 

What Factors Can Determine Whether My Case Goes to Court?

Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, which means your ability to pursue a lawsuit depends partly on the type of auto insurance you selected. Drivers may choose between limited tort and full tort coverage, which impacts the right to sue for pain and suffering.

Your case may go to court if:

  • You suffered severe injuries that meet the legal threshold for stepping outside the no-fault system
  • The insurance company refuses to make a fair offer despite clear evidence of liability
  • Your economic losses exceed your policy limits
  • There is a dispute over fault that prevents settlement
  • The other party’s insurer denies your claim or acts in bad faith

While most claims resolve through negotiation, insurance companies sometimes refuse to be reasonable without the pressure of litigation. Having a legal team with a strong trial record can make them think twice before forcing you to court.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?

If your injuries are significant, your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits may not cover all of your losses. In that case, you may need to seek compensation from the at-fault driver or other liable parties.

You could be entitled to recover damages such as:

If the crash involved a fatality, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.

Some accidents involve multiple parties who may share liability. For example, a commercial vehicle accident could implicate both the driver and their employer. A roadway defect could make a government entity partially responsible. Identifying all sources of recovery is essential to maximizing your compensation.

How Do Negotiation and Settlement Work Car Accident Cases?

Many clients ask whether they will need to testify in court. In most cases, your attorney can resolve the claim through negotiation with the insurance company.

Settlement negotiations involve:

  • Gathering and presenting evidence that clearly shows the other party’s fault
  • Documenting the full extent of your losses
  • Responding to the insurer’s arguments and low settlement offers
  • Pushing for a resolution that accounts for all your damages

Our firm will handle all communications with the insurance company, protecting you from tactics designed to pressure you into accepting less than your claim is worth. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you won’t owe attorney fees unless we secure compensation.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will discuss the benefits and risks of taking your case to trial and proceed according to your best interests.

Call Our Lancaster Car Accident Lawyers to Schedule a Free Consultation

After a car accident, financial relief can make all the difference in rebuilding your life. While we cannot guarantee you will avoid court entirely, we will work diligently to resolve your case efficiently.

If litigation becomes necessary, our Lancaster car accident attorneys will be fully prepared to present your case in court and fight for the justice you deserve. We have a proven track record of success, with tens of millions of dollars recovered.

Contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates today for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.