After an accident, you may take legal action through a settlement or a lawsuit. Settlements involve negotiating with the opposing party out of court, while a lawsuit consists of going to trial.
When negotiating with the at-fault party out of court, you can send settlement offers and counteroffers until you come to an agreement. By accepting a settlement, you negate the need for a trial.
The time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit is four years after the date of the accident, with some exceptions in cases where the victim discovers the damages later. In a typical trial general, a jury or court may award compensatory, or actual, damages for losses and injuries resulting from the opposing party’s negligent conduct.