You might be surprised to learn that most car crash cases never see the inside of a courtroom. In fact, well over 90% of car crash cases end in settlement before trial. At Roadrunner Law Firm, we often hear from clients who expect their case will lead to dramatic courtroom showdowns like they see on TV. The reality looks quite different, and there’s a compelling reason why: money.

They Only See Dollar Signs

Insurance companies approach every car crash case as a financial equation. They’re constantly calculating risks, costs, and potential outcomes. When you’re involved in a crash, the insurance company immediately starts running the numbers. They look at the cost of settling your case versus the expense of taking it to trial. Trial costs can easily exceed several hundred thousand dollars when you factor in car crash attorney time, expert witnesses, court fees, and other expenses.

At the same time, your lawyer is looking at your car crash case and trying to do some mind-reading of the other side. A good car crash lawyer will know how must adjusters and defense lawyers see cases, and be able to tell what the other side is thinking about the value of your case. So even if the adjuster calls up and says “oh, we’ll gladly pay you 20,000 for your pain and suffering!” your Albuquerque injury lawyer knows the adjuster is thinking “we really ought to be paying 100,000 for this!”

Examples of Settlement Scenarios

Let’s look at a real-world example. Say you have $100,000 in medical bills from a serious crash, plus months of pain and rehabilitation. The insurance company might offer an $150,000 settlement early in the process. Why would they offer more than the medical bills? They know that going to trial could cost them $200,000 in legal fees alone, plus they might end up paying your full damages anyway. From their perspective, settling makes financial sense–saving them hundreds of thousands of dollars!

But sometimes cases do go to trial. This typically happens in two situations. First, when the potential payout is so high that the insurance company believes spending hundreds of thousands on trial costs might save them millions in the long run. For instance, if your case might be worth $2 million, they might gamble $300,000 on trial costs hoping to reduce their payout.

The second scenario involves cases where insurance companies believe the injured person has a weak case or isn’t properly prepared. This is exactly why at Roadrunner Law Firm, we treat every single case as if it’s heading to trial, even when we know it will likely settle. Our thorough preparation often motivates insurance companies to offer fair settlements earlier in the process.

The Ticking Clock

Time plays a major role in settlement decisions. Trials can stretch on for years, while settlements can often be reached in months. For you, this means getting the money you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses much sooner. Insurance companies know that many people can’t afford to wait years for compensation, and they use this knowledge in their settlement calculations. They know they can pressure people into taking a lowball settlement offer when bills are piling up.

Our Philosophy: Prepare for Battle

At Roadrunner Law Firm, we’ve developed a proven approach to handling car crash cases. We build every case as if we’re going to trial, gathering extensive evidence, consulting with experts, and preparing comprehensive documentation. This thorough preparation actually increases the likelihood of receiving a fair settlement offer. Insurance companies recognize when they’re dealing with a well-prepared case and a law firm that’s ready for trial.

The reality is that most cases settle because it’s in everyone’s best interest. Insurance companies save money, you receive compensation sooner, and the court system avoids unnecessary trials. However, this doesn’t mean you should accept a low settlement offer. Having experienced legal representation often leads to significantly higher settlement amounts.

If you’ve been injured in a car crash in New Mexico, we’re here to help evaluate your case and explain your options. Call Roadrunner Law Firm at 505-444-4321 for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand what your case is worth and fight to get you fair compensation, whether through settlement or, if necessary, at trial.

*This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and requires individual evaluation by a qualified attorney.*