Mediation, Arbitration, Trial – What’s the Difference, and What Process Can I Use in My Knoxville Truck Accident Case?
If you were injured in a serious truck accident in Knoxville, you may be thinking about filing a legal claim to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that you suffered. However, once your case begins, you will likely hear about different ways that it can be resolved, and these may include mediation, arbitration, or going to trial. These are all legal processes used to settle disputes, but they work in different ways. Understanding the differences can help you and your attorney decide which path is right for your case. Here we describe the basic differences of these legal processes, and where to turn for legal help getting justice in your Knoxville truck accident case.
Mediation in Knoxville Truck Accident Cases
One of the things that makes mediation unique is that it is typically a voluntary process. In meditation, both sides (that is, you and the defendant trucking company (or their insurer) and any other liable parties) meet with a neutral third party called a mediator. The mediator is not a judge and cannot make decisions for you. Instead, they help both sides communicate and try to reach a mutual agreement that can be enshrined in the form of a settlement agreement. Mediation is typically informal, private, and usually a much quicker and less expensive process than going to trial. Speaking with an experienced Knoxville truck accident lawyer about your case can give you clarity into whether this process might be a pathway for resolution in your specific case.
Arbitration in Knoxville Truck Accident Cases
On the other hand, arbitration is more formal than mediation but still takes place outside of the courtroom. In arbitration, a neutral arbitrator (or panel of arbitrators) listens to both sides and then makes a decision, similar to a judge in a court case. Depending on the agreement, arbitration can be either binding or non-binding. Resolving cases through arbitration is typically something that the parties agreed to up-front, such as in the case of a business transaction or an employment agreement. Arbitration is not typically used to resolve Knoxville truck accident cases.
Resolving Your Knoxville Truck Accident Lawsuit Through Trial
If your case cannot be resolved through mediation, or by direct negotiations, you may be looking at a full-blown trial. Trial is the most formal process, where your case is presented before a judge or jury in court. Each side presents evidence, examines witnesses, and makes legal arguments. After hearing everything, the judge or jury delivers a legally binding verdict. The truth about trials is that they can be long, expensive, and stressful, but sometimes they are necessary. A trial also gives you the chance to publicly present your case and potentially win a significant award, but it also carries the risk of losing. Being represented by an experienced Knoxville truck accident lawyer can significantly increase your chances of success at trial in your case.
If you are in the Knoxville area and you were injured in a serious truck accident, do not hesitate to speak with an experienced Knoxville truck accident lawyer about your case and options for justice today. The experienced Knoxville truck accident lawyers at the law firm Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC are here to help. There is a limited time to file a case under Tennessee personal injury laws, so do not delay in getting legal help with your case. Contact Fox Farley Willis & Burnette PLLC and speak with an experienced Knoxville truck accident lawyer about your case now.