Is Your Rochester Personal Injury Settlement Fair? 

After an accident, most people just want to move on with their lives. Bills pile up, work gets missed, and the stress feels unbearable. Then, the insurance company dangles a settlement offer in front of you. It might seem like a lifeline, but is it actually fair?  

Or are they lowballing you, hoping you’ll take the money and walk away? If you’re dealing with a personal injury claim in Rochester, knowing how settlements work can make all the difference between a payout that covers your losses and one that leaves you struggling. 

At Horn Wright, LLP, we know the games insurance companies play. We’ve seen too many people accept less than they deserve. If you’re wondering whether your settlement offer is fair, our team of Rochester personal injury attorneys can step in, negotiate aggressively, and ensure you’re not getting shortchanged. We’ll make sure insurance companies take your claim seriously. 

Why Most Cases Never Make It to a Jury—And Why That’s Not Always a Bad Thing 

Most personal injury cases settle before reaching trial. In fact, more than 90% of claims are resolved through negotiation rather than in a courtroom. While that might seem like a loss, it’s often the smarter move. Trials unpredictable, expensive, and time-consuming. Some jurors don’t want to be sitting through a trial. A settlement, when handled correctly, can get you compensation faster without the risk of walking away with nothing. 

Here’s why settling outside of court isn’t always a bad thing: 

• Faster Resolution – Lawsuits can take months or even years to conclude, while settlements typically happen much quicker. 
• Lower Legal Costs – Trials involve court fees, expert witnesses, and extensive legal work that can eat into your compensation. 
• Less Stress – The litigation process is exhausting. Settling allows you to move forward without prolonged uncertainty. 
• Guaranteed Compensation – With a trial, there’s no guarantee of winning. A settlement ensures you receive something rather than taking a gamble. 

That said, settling isn’t always the right choice—, especially if the offer is too low. Knowing when to accept a deal and when to push for more is where having an experienced personal injury attorney makes all the difference. A strategic approach can mean the difference between a settlement that barely covers your expenses and one that provides real financial security. 

Settling Too Soon? The Mistake That Could Cost You Thousands 

The biggest mistake personal injury victims make? Accepting an insurance company’s first offer too soon. After an accident, it’s tempting to take the money and move on. But here’s the problem: early offers rarely account for long-term medical costs, lost future earnings, and ongoing pain and suffering. 

Many victims don’t realize: 

• Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more. 
• Your injuries might be worse than they first appear. Some conditions, like traumatic brain injuries or spine injuries like disc herniations or protrusions, take time to show full symptoms. 
• Insurance companies intentionally rush claimants into quick settlements before they realize the true cost of their injuries. 

If you’re feeling pressure to settle fast, take a step back. Get a full medical evaluation, calculate your future expenses, and talk to a lawyer before signing anything. In some instances you might need to undergo an MRI before you even know the full extent of your injuries. 

Rushing could mean leaving thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) on the table. By taking your time and working with an experienced Rochester attorney, you can make sure that your final settlement truly reflects the full impact of your injuries and the financial burdens they create. The last thing you want is to realize too late that you’ve settled for far less than you need to recover. 

What Happens If You Roll the Dice and Take Your Case to Court? 

Sometimes, a fair settlement just isn’t on the table. When that happens, taking your case to court might be your best option. But be prepared: trials are a high-stakes gamble. 

Here’s what to expect if your case goes to court in Monroe County Supreme Court: 

• Jury Selection – Your attorney and the defense will select jurors who will decide your case. 
• Evidence and Testimony – Both sides will present their case, bringing in medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and witness testimony. 
• Cross-Examinations – The insurance company’s lawyers will challenge your claims, often trying to discredit your injuries or blame you for the accident. 
• Verdict and Compensation – A jury will determine whether you deserve compensation and how much. 

The biggest risk? You could walk away with nothing. If the jury sides with the insurance company, you get zero compensation. But if you have a strong case, a trial could lead to a much higher payout than what was offered in settlement negotiations.  

Ultimately, the decision to go to trial should be made with careful consideration of the risks and potential rewards. An injury attorney who has experience handling your type of personal injury case will help you weight your options and come up with a strategy that maximizes your chances of success. 

Don’t Let Insurance Companies Take Advantage of You—Horn Wright, LLP Can Help 

When you’re facing a personal injury settlement, the last thing you need is an insurance company pressuring you into an unfair deal. Horn Wright, LLP, knows how to fight back and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.  

Our team has extensive experience handling personal injury cases in Rochester, and we’re ready to take on the insurance companies so you don’t have to. You deserve to have one of the best law firms in America by your side during your personal injury case. 

If you’ve been injured and need legal guidance, don’t wait. Contact our Rochester law office today for a free consultation. Let’s get you the financial recovery you deserve.