Victims of commercial truck accidents in Connecticut should know what the possible outcomes are when they seekcompensation. When it's clear that the truck driver is to blame, they have the grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit with the civil courts. However, before or during the litigation process, they may have the chance to seek resolution through an informal settlement.

One of the benefits of an out-of-court settlement is that it saves time and money. Civil trials can often become drawn-out affairs, but they can be replaced through one of several ways, such as arbitration, mediation, or negotiation. These are all methods that fall under alternative dispute resolution.

In a settlement, both parties are able to present their side confidentially and without admissions of guilt. This means less contention between the two sides and a greater chance of having the case settled in a calm, rational manner. One disadvantage is that a settlement will usually be lower than what the victim might be awarded by a jury. The victim must also waive the right to pursue further claims in connection with the accident as well as the right to publicly hold the defendant accountable.

Though the process may be simpler and less stressful, it's important to hire a lawyer for the filing of the lawsuit and for the negotiation or mediation stage. A lawyer who focuses on truck accident cases knows what sort of tactics the trucking companies might use to deny payment. He or she could hire investigators to bring in proof of the trucker's negligence, including evidence from the crash site, the police reports, and the trucker's work log.