Ramie Shalabi | February 26, 2026 | Car Accidents
This article was originally written in August 2020 and was last updated in February 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- Most car accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations with the insurance company, without the need to file a lawsuit or appear in court.
- A lawsuit may become necessary if the insurance company refuses to make a settlement offer that fairly reflects the extent of your injuries and damages.
- Filing a lawsuit does not automatically mean your case will go to trial, but it preserves your right to pursue full and fair compensation.
- An experienced car accident attorney can evaluate settlement offers, protect your interests, and advise whether litigation is in your best interest.
We always strive to settle your case with the insurance company without having to file a lawsuit. That is the quickest way to put a case behind you. Filing a lawsuit and going to court takes a lot of time.
That said, there are times when we will have to file a lawsuit on your behalf, especially when the insurance company will not make a settlement offer that we believe is fair to you.
If that is the case, we will file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and their insurance company for a jury trial. Of course, we will never do so without the client’s permission, but there will be times when we will strongly recommend it.
Ramie Shalabi is an experienced personal injury and workers’ compensation attorney who represents injured people across the state of South Carolina.