Settlement This is an agreement between the parties involved in a lawsuit or car accident claim. The parties may include the victim and the insurance company, or the victim and other parties that share liability in the accident. The settlement typically includes a payment amount to the victim to cover damages.   Settlements are typically resolved faster than cases that go to trial. They’re usually confidential, which allows all parties to keep their personal affairs private. The victim also knows exactly the amount they are getting before they sign the agreement.   A settlement agreement may be reached at any time. Even if the parties agree to go to court, if they continue to communicate, they may be able to settle outside of court before the trial begins.   Trial If the parties cannot come to an agreement in a car accident case, the case may go to trial. That means it proceeds to court, where both parties make their case. Then a judge or jury is responsible for determining if damages are owed, in what amount, and who is liable.   A trial can be expensive and time-consuming. A judge or jury may grant you a larger reward, but a portion of it will have to go to litigation expenses. But it can be the right choice in situations where the injuries from the car accident are extensive, and when it’s important to ensure the defendant is held accountable.   Verdict A verdict is a decision made in your case by the judge or jury when your case goes to trial. Usually, the verdict will state the amount of damages, if any, that the defendant(s) must pay to the plaintiff.