Strategy
When Personal Injury Cases Actually Go to Trial
• 2 min read
Most cases settle before trial, but a meaningful percentage do go all the way. Here's how to think about trial risk.
Roughly 95% of personal injury cases settle before trial. The 5% that go to trial often involve serious damages, disputed liability, or unreasonable settlement offers from the defense.
Trials take time — often 6 to 18 months from trial setting to actual trial date. Then verdict appeals can extend the timeline further.
Pre-settlement funding extends to trial-track cases. Funding lets the case go the distance instead of forcing a quick settlement.
Trial outcomes are unpredictable, but cases that go to trial often result in larger awards than the settlement offers that preceded them — especially in plaintiff-friendly venues.
Talk to your attorney honestly about whether trial is the right path for your case. Trial isn't always the right answer, but financial pressure shouldn't be the deciding factor.
Call (800) 297-3834 about funding cases through trial.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I wait for my settlement instead?
- If you can comfortably cover your bills, waiting is often the cheaper option. Funding exists for claimants who would otherwise be pressured into accepting a low early offer.
- Is a pre-settlement cash advance a loan?
- No. It is non-recourse funding tied to your personal injury claim. There are no monthly payments, and if your case does not recover, you owe nothing.
- Do I need good credit or a job to qualify?
- No. AARC does not run a credit check and does not require employment or income verification. Approval is based on the strength of your claim and your attorney's representation.
- How fast can I get funded?
- Most approved applicants receive funds in as little as 24 hours once AARC has the case documents from your attorney.
- How much does it cost?
- AARC uses a flat fee rather than compounding monthly interest. Typical advances are $500, $750, or $1,000, and the illustrative payoff at settlement is 2x the advance amount.
About the author
Written by the funding team at AARC — Accident Advance & Resource Center. AARC underwrites pre-settlement cash advances for personal injury claimants and works directly with plaintiff attorneys across 45 states. Our team reviews case documentation daily and writes from that firsthand experience.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Always confirm details with your attorney. Contact AARC or call (800) 297-3834 with questions about your specific case.
