Truck accident claims are often complex and may involve multiple parties and state and federal laws. Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that can help the parties reach a settlement. It offers many advantages over the court system.

Mediation is faster. Even if complex issues are involved, the parties may choose to ignore them for the sake of reaching an amicable resolution of the case. Mediation can be scheduled early on in the process before the parties go through the expensive and time-consuming discovery process. This can save both parties from months or years of litigation.

Additionally, mediation is more affordable. The parties can split the costs of the mediator and avoid hefty litigation expenses. Insurance companies will have less billable hours to pay lawyers and the plaintiff may have a lower contingency fee percentage to pay if the case resolves through mediation early in the process instead of litigation, according to his or her retainer agreement.

Mediation is private. The parties can talk freely about the case without worrying that their confidential medical information will be released to the public or that negative publicity will affect their business. This also makes the process more personal. The insurance company and trucking company can see the impact the accident had on the victim.

Perhaps most importantly, mediation allows the parties to retain control of the case. When a jury is assigned to a case, anything can happen. When the parties agree to mediate their case, they can prevent a jury from denying the claim altogether or awarding frivolous damages to the victim.