Personal Injury Settlements vs. Going to Court: What You Need to Know
May 21, 2025
Know Your Legal Options
When you're injured due to someone else’s negligence—whether in a car accident, slip and fall, or defective product case—you deserve fair compensation. But one of the biggest questions people ask is: Will my case settle, or will I have to go to court? As a personal injury law firm in Murfreesboro, TN, we’ve helped many clients weigh the pros and cons of both routes. Here’s what you need to know if you're considering filing a claim and want to understand your options.
What Is a Personal Injury Settlement?
A personal injury settlement is an agreement reached between the injured party (you) and the at-fault party’s insurance company or legal team—before a case goes to trial. Most personal injury cases in Tennessee are resolved this way. Settlements can be reached during negotiations, sometimes early in the process, or even after a lawsuit has been filed but before a trial begins.
Benefits of Settling Your Case
Faster Resolution: Settling a case often takes less time than waiting for a court date. You may receive compensation sooner.
- Lower Costs: Settling usually means fewer legal fees and reduced court expenses.
- Less Stress: Avoiding the courtroom can mean less emotional strain, especially for clients still recovering from injuries.
- More Control: You and your attorney have input on the terms of the settlement, versus leaving it entirely in the hands of a judge or jury.
When Going to Court Makes Sense
While most claims settle out of court, there are times when taking your case to trial is necessary:
- The Insurance Offer Is Too Low: If the other side won’t negotiate fairly, litigation may be the only way to pursue full and fair compensation.
- Liability Is Disputed: If the responsible party denies fault or contests the facts, a trial may be required to establish the truth.
- Severe or Permanent Injuries: High-dollar cases involving long-term care or permanent disability may warrant courtroom attention, especially if a settlement undervalues your loss.
If you're considering litigation, working with a skilled Murfreesboro personal injury lawyer can make all the difference.
How We Help Clients Decide
At Rucker, Rucker & Aymett, we approach every case with your best outcome in mind. We’ll review your personal injury claim, explain your options clearly, and give you honest guidance about whether settling or going to court is in your best interest. Our team handles everything from vehicle accidents and premise liability to product defects and wrongful death cases—and we bring more than 160 years of local trust and legal experience to the table.
Injured in Tennessee? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re ready to settle or think your case needs to be heard in court, we’re here to stand by you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Murfreesboro, TN and learn more about your legal options.
It’s not something most people like to think about—but it’s important. If you pass away without a will in Tennessee, the state decides who receives your property. And those decisions might not reflect your wishes. At Rucker, Rucker & Aymett, we help families across Middle Tennessee create wills and estate plans that bring peace of mind. Here’s what you should know about dying intestate—without a will. Tennessee’s Intestate Succession Laws If you die without a will, Tennessee’s laws determine who inherits your estate. Generally, assets go to your: Spouse and/or children Parents or siblings if you have no spouse or kids More distant relatives if no immediate family is found If there are no eligible relatives, the state may claim your property. What You Lose Without a Will No say in who receives your property No ability to name a guardian for your children No control over who manages your estate Without a will, the court appoints someone to handle your affairs—possibly someone you wouldn’t have chosen. Creating a Will Is Simpler Than You Think A legally valid will ensures your assets are distributed the way you want. It also gives your loved ones clear instructions, reducing stress and the risk of family conflict. Our estate planning lawyers in Murfreesboro make the process easy, approachable, and tailored to your life. Need to Create or Update a Will? Let’s Talk. Whether you’re just starting your estate plan or want to update an existing one, we’re here to help. Contact Rucker, Rucker & Aymet today to meet with an estate planning lawyer in Tennessee.
When you’ve been injured—whether in a car crash, slip and fall, or product-related incident—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But what you do (and don’t do) in the hours and days after the accident can affect your case. At Rucker, Rucker & Aymett, our team of personal injury attorneys in Murfreesboro, TN has seen how a few common mistakes can delay claims or reduce settlements. Here are five to avoid. 1. Not Getting Medical Care Right Away Even if you feel “fine,” symptoms can take days to appear. Waiting to see a doctor can hurt both your health and your claim. Medical records are key evidence in personal injury cases. 2. Talking to the Insurance Company Alone Insurance adjusters may seem helpful—but their goal is to minimize payouts. Before giving a statement or signing anything, talk to a Murfreesboro personal injury lawyer who can protect your interests. 3. Posting About the Accident on Social Media What you post can be used against you. Even a simple “feeling better” message can be twisted to downplay your injuries. 4. Not Documenting the Scene or Injuries Photos of your injuries, the accident site, and vehicle damage (if applicable) help strengthen your case. Collect witness names if possible, too. 5. Delaying Legal Help Tennessee law has strict time limits—often just one year from the injury date. The sooner you contact a personal injury attorney, the better your chances of building a strong claim. Injured in Middle Tennessee? We Can Help. From vehicle accidents to premise liability, we help clients pursue full compensation for their injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Murfreesboro.