What Happens If You Don’t Win Your Car Accident Lawsuit?
If you lose a car accident lawsuit, whether as the plaintiff or the defendant, you could face significant financial hardship. As the plaintiff, losing a lawsuit could leave you saddled with various out-of-pocket damages, including six-figure medical bills. The same applies if you lose the lawsuit as a defendant. You would still face financial hardships by being compelled to pay the injured claimant damages.
You don’t want to lose a car accident lawsuit, whether you’re the plaintiff or the defendant. That’s why, if you’re facing litigation, you should consider partnering with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer. The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato offers free case reviews––and you can start one now by calling (954) 633-8270. Our personal injury team is eager to learn your story.
You Could Face Financial Struggles After Losing a Car Accident Lawsuit
No matter what side you’re on, losing a car accident lawsuit could cost you money. This could make it difficult to afford rent and pay for basic necessities. If you can’t pay these expenses, debt collectors could put a lien on your house or garnish your wages. Within weeks, you could see your credit score plummet.
Depending on your situation, you could also:
Have to Take Another Job
Most people don’t want to take second jobs––especially if they already work full-time. Yet, you might take another position if debt collectors threaten to seize your property or otherwise impose penalties. As the injured party, taking another job might not be possible in your condition. This could further complicate matters.
Take Out Loans
To protect yourself from debt collectors, you might take out loans to pay them off. Yet, losing a lawsuit is public record. This means even if you’re approved for a loan, the creditor may impose high-interest rates––costing you even more money in the long run.
Make Sacrifices
You spent your entire life building your savings account and career. Now, losing a lawsuit has changed that. To accommodate your new financial hardship, you might have to downsize your home or refrain from cost-laden hobbies. Certain financial sacrifices could even change your life as you once knew it.
File for Bankruptcy
Whether you lose a lawsuit as the plaintiff or the defendant, the financial turmoil could force you into bankruptcy. After filing for bankruptcy, you might have to:
- Liquidate your assets. Liquidating your assets would require you to sell property, then use the proceeds to pay off any creditors.
- Accept being ineligible for loans. Once you file for bankruptcy, that stays on your credit report for at least five years. As noted, this could make it difficult to apply for loans.
- Jeopardize your well-being. Filing for bankruptcy is no laughing matter. According to a study from SSM––Population Health, some adults who file for bankruptcy are more likely to suffer mental health complications, such as anxiety and depression. These difficulties could complicate your day-to-day life.
These are just some of the things you could face after losing a car accident lawsuit. Ultimately, what happens next depends on your financial resources.
Why Would I Lose a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Filing a car accident lawsuit and winning a car accident lawsuit are two separate matters. Filing a lawsuit does not guarantee that you (or the plaintiff) will immediately receive compensation. The involved parties must go through litigation to secure any outcome.
Whether you lose a lawsuit could depend on:
The Evidence Involved
As the plaintiff, you need compelling evidence to support your right to damages. This information may include eyewitness testimony, the police report, and traffic camera footage. Without supporting evidence, there’s no way to prove that another party’s negligence caused your accident and injuries.
Matters change slightly if you’re the defendant. The burden of proof is on the plaintiff to prove liability. If they present compelling evidence of your negligence, you could lose the case and owe damages.
Your Credibility
You want to appear credible in court. Then, the judge and jury could be more likely to rule in your favor. Yet, credibility is a subjective matter, and it can quickly get complicated. You want to bolster your own credibility by:
- Answering all questions honestly
- Cooperating with any investigations
- Having witnesses testify on your behalf
- Dressing appropriately in court
- Being polite
Credibility goes a long way in whether you’ll win a lawsuit. You want to appear as an honest, upstanding individual who wants the best possible outcome for their case.
Whether You Adhere to Various Deadlines
Deadlines are extremely important as they pertain to car accident lawsuits––especially if you’re the suing party. Filing your case too late wouldn’t make you lose a car accident lawsuit; the courts would refuse to hear it all together. This decision could put you in dire financial straits if you’re the injured party. Here, you would have few (if any) options for seeking a settlement.
Explore Your Litigation Options With a Free Case Review
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato offer free case reviews to car accident claimants. If you’re concerned about losing a lawsuit, we encourage you to connect with our team. Contact or call (954) 633-8270 to get started.
