When you’re in a car accident, it’s easy to feel like the whole world has come crashing down around you. But don’t worry! If your legal team decides to handle the case without an attorney, then mediation and arbitration are two common options that can help you try to get back on your feet after an accident. In this article, we’ll go over what each of these processes is like so that you know what kind of help is available for yourself and your loved ones if anything bad happens.
Understand your options.
Before your personal injury lawyer in Fergus decides on your course of action, it’s important to understand the options available. In order for a mediation or arbitration process to work, both parties must be willing and able to participate in these types of forums. If one party is unwilling or unable to participate, then no resolution can be reached; therefore, it doesn’t make sense for them to pursue this option in the first place.
Things to do After a car accident
Call the police. You should be able to get this information from them. If you don’t know their name or number, call 911 and ask for assistance from an officer on duty.
Get medical attention if necessary.
Get a copy of any police report issued regarding this incident.
How Does Mediation Work?
Mediation is a method of resolving disputes. It’s not an arbitration or court proceeding, but it may be an alternative to going straight to court.
Mediators are trained professionals who help parties with their cases by helping them reach an agreement that can be enforced through a binding judgment. Mediation takes some time and effort on the part of both sides, but there are many advantages:
It’s less expensive than formal litigation.
There’s no need for lawyers because mediators will neither represent nor advise either party in any way during the process; they just listen and try to help find common ground between opposing viewpoints without being biased toward either side.
What is Arbitration and How Does it Work?
Arbitration is a private and confidential process. It involves the parties agreeing to have their dispute heard by an independent third party, who will make a decision on the matter. The arbitrator’s decision is final, binding on all parties involved in the case. In contrast with litigation where witnesses must testify in court, arbitrators do not require any testimony from witnesses or parties during an arbitration hearing.
Is Going to Court a Bad Thing?
If you’re going to court, it’s important to know that there are good and bad sides of this option. Going to court can be a good thing if you have the right kind of lawyer and get a great outcome However, sometimes going to court is not such a good idea. For example:
Having an attorney who doesn’t understand medical malpractice issues could result in him/her making mistakes in your case or even not taking it seriously enough (which could mean losing). You might run into judges who don’t care about your side or sympathize with the other party (or both). This will affect how they rule on any cases involving medical malpractice claims because they may decide not follow through with what they say they’ll do during jury trials.
Any of these three options can help you resolve a personal injury claim. Talk to your lawyer about which one will be best for you.