Why Is My Car Accident Claim Going to Court?

If you’ve been told your car accident claim is going to court, you may feel confused or overwhelmed. Most people assume these cases settle quickly with the insurance company.

So when your case doesn’t, it’s natural to ask, Why is my car accident claim going to court? And just as importantly, What happens when a car accident claim goes to court? 

These are good questions, and you deserve clear answers. Read this post, and also read our post giving you a road map of what happens during a personal injury lawsuit in Maryland. 

At Southern Maryland Law, our car accident lawyers have helped thousands of local clients navigate complex car accident claims over the past 60 years. We’re proud to be part of the Waldorf community, and we’ve built a reputation on delivering results with a personal, compassionate approach. We don’t believe in leaving clients in the dark, especially when the legal process gets more complicated than expected.

Make sure you read our free legal guide to car accident cases in Maryland. In this post, we’ll explain why some claims don’t go to trial while others do, what to expect if yours does, and how the right legal team can guide you. Then contact us for a free consultation about your Maryland car accident case. 

Most Car Accident Claims Settle Out of Court

Most car accident cases settle before ever reaching a courtroom. If your claim is headed in the other direction, it’s natural to wonder what changed, and what’s getting in the way.

First, it’s helpful to look at why settlements are so common in the first place. For many injury claims, both sides have strong incentives to avoid trial.

Here are the key reasons most car accident claims are resolved through a negotiated settlement:

• Fast compensation for the injured,
• Privacy,
• Clear liability,
• Cost-effective, and 
• More control over the outcome.

These factors often make settlement the more practical—and preferred—path forward for everyone involved. But when one or more of these conditions are unmet, your case may need to move forward in court to be resolved.

Reasons Car Accident Claims Go to Court

So, you’re asking yourself, Why is my car accident claim going to court?

While most claims are resolved through a settlement, some cases require more time, evidence, and legal intervention to reach a fair outcome. If your claim is heading to court, it’s usually because there’s a barrier to resolution that needs to be addressed more formally.

Below are some of the most common reasons a car accident claim may end up in litigation.

1. The Insurance Company Is Lowballing You

Unfortunately, some insurance companies refuse to make reasonable settlement offers. They may undervalue your injuries, question your medical treatment, or hope you’ll accept a low offer out of frustration. If they’re unwilling to negotiate in good faith, filing a lawsuit may be the only way to protect your rights and pursue the full value of your claim.

2. There’s a Dispute over Fault

In Maryland, fault matters a great deal. Under our contributory negligence laws in Maryland, if you’re found even slightly responsible for the accident, you may be unable to recover compensation. That’s why insurance companies often try to shift blame, even when it isn’t justified. If liability is in question, taking the case to court may be necessary to prove what happened.

3. Your Case Involves Serious Injuries

Claims involving major injuries can involve higher medical costs and long-term consequences. Insurance companies tend to scrutinize these cases more closely, often challenging the extent of your injuries or the cost of future care. They may be less willing to settle without a fight when there’s a lot at stake.

4. Complex Legal Issues Are Involved

Sometimes, complex issues arise involving multiple drivers, commercial vehicles, unclear medical records, or unusual circumstances. These situations can make it difficult for both sides to agree on the facts or the value of the case. A courtroom may be the best place to resolve those issues.

What Happens When a Car Accident Claim Goes to Court?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect and how we guide you through the process. See our road map of a lawsuit post for a much more detailed explanation.

Filing the Lawsuit

Your lawyer files a formal complaint with the court. This filing starts the legal process, puts the other side on notice, and allows them the opportunity to respond.

Discovery Phase

Both sides exchange information and gather evidence, including:

• Medical records and bills,
• Police reports and photos,
• Expert opinions, and
• Depositions (sworn interviews).

This phase can take several months, but it’s also where many cases settle once the evidence becomes clear.

Pre-Trial Hearings and Negotiation

The court may hold hearings to address specific legal issues. During this time, we continue to push for a fair settlement.

Trial

If no agreement is reached, the case goes to trial. A judge or jury will hear the facts, consider the evidence, and decide whether the other party is liable and how much they owe you.

A trial might sound scary, but you’ll be fully prepared with the right legal team.

Post-Trial

At the end of the trial, the judge or jury will decide whether the other party is legally responsible for your injuries, and if so, how much compensation they should award.

Do I Need a Lawyer If My Case Is Going to Court?

If your car accident claim is heading to court, it’s understandable to feel unsure about your next steps. You might be wondering whether you need an attorney—or whether you can handle things on your own.

Court cases involve strict procedures, evidence rules, legal arguments, and deadlines that aren’t always easy to navigate without experience.  

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, present your case clearly, and avoid mistakes that jeopardize your recovery. More importantly, a good lawyer can take on the stress of the legal process so you can focus on your health and your life.

At Southern Maryland Law, we understand the local court systems, know how insurance companies operate, and take the time to explain everything in plain language, so you never feel like you’re facing this alone.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If your car accident claim is going to court, you deserve guidance from a legal team that knows what to expect and how to help. Read our free legal guide to Maryland car accident cases for a comprehensive guide.

Southern Maryland Law has helped residents just like you. We’re proud to be the oldest law firm in Waldorf and the second-oldest in all of Southern Maryland. We know how to get results. And more importantly, we know how to treat people right. You’ll talk directly to a real attorney, not a case manager, and get honest advice based on real experience.

If your car accident case is going to court, you deserve to have the right team in your corner. Call Southern Maryland Law today to schedule your confidential consultation.