WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CAR ACCIDENT CASE GOES TO TRIAL IN UTAH?
Most people are surprised to learn that the vast majority of car accident cases never go to trial.
In fact, in the state of Utah, approximately 99% of personal injury cases are resolved through settlements before ever reaching a courtroom. That means insurance companies and attorneys are typically able to agree on a fair amount without needing a jury to decide.
But what happens when that doesn’t happen?
In the small percentage of cases that cannot be resolved through negotiation, litigation — and ultimately a jury trial — becomes necessary.
At McMullin Injury Law, we are fully prepared to take cases to trial when insurance companies fail to offer fair compensation. Recently, we handled a case right here in Southern Utah that demonstrates exactly how that process works.
When a Settlement Offer Isn’t Enough
The case involved a 23-year-old driver traveling through an intersection on a green light. As he proceeded through, another driver — a 16-year-old — ran a red light at approximately 55 miles per hour and crashed into the side of his vehicle.
The impact was severe enough to flip his Jeep, leaving him unconscious and injured at the scene.
Fortunately, the at-fault driver was not seriously injured. However, our client suffered injuries that required medical treatment and time away from work. Like most injury cases, a claim was submitted to the at-fault driver’s insurance company to cover:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Other related damages
Despite the seriousness of the crash, the insurance company offered a settlement that barely covered the client’s medical bills — without accounting for the broader impact the accident had on his life.
At that point, it became clear that a settlement would not be enough.
Filing a Lawsuit and Preparing for Trial
When an insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, the next step is litigation.
In this case, we filed a lawsuit and began the process of building a strong case for trial. Litigation involves significantly more preparation and strategy than a standard insurance claim.
To support our client’s case, we worked with experts, including:
Accident reconstruction specialists to analyze how the crash occurred
Medical experts to explain the extent of the injuries
Additional professionals to help present a clear and accurate picture of the damages
This process takes time, effort, and resources — but it is often necessary to ensure that the full story is told.
Presenting the Case to a Jury
The case ultimately went to trial in Cedar City, where a jury was selected from members of the local community.
Eight jurors were chosen to hear the case. Their role was to evaluate the evidence, listen to testimony, and determine what a fair outcome should be.
During the trial, we presented:
The details of how the crash occurred
Evidence showing the other driver was at fault
Medical documentation and expert testimony
The impact the injuries had on our client’s daily life
Trials are not just about facts — they are about telling a complete and accurate story so the jury can fully understand what the injured person has gone through.
The Jury’s Decision
After hearing the evidence, the jury found in favor of our client.
They awarded $80,000 in compensation, covering his medical bills and recognizing the pain, suffering, and disruption caused by the accident.
While no amount of money can undo what happened, a fair verdict can provide meaningful support as someone recovers and moves forward.
What Most People Don’t Know About Jury Trials
There is an important detail about jury trials that many people don’t realize.
In cases like this, jurors are not told that an insurance company is involved.
Even though the at-fault driver had insurance — in this case through State Farm — the jury is not allowed to consider that when making their decision. From their perspective, it appears as though the individual driver is personally responsible for paying the verdict.
This rule is designed to ensure that jurors focus only on the facts of the case, rather than being influenced by the presence of insurance.
It also highlights why clear, honest storytelling and strong evidence are so important in trial settings.
Why Trial Experience Matters
Because so few cases go to trial, not every law firm regularly handles litigation.
However, when a case cannot be resolved through negotiation, having an attorney who is prepared — and experienced — in the courtroom can make a significant difference.
Trial-ready attorneys are able to:
Build stronger cases from the beginning
Push back against low settlement offers
Present evidence effectively in court
Advocate confidently in front of a jury
Even in cases that ultimately settle, the ability to go to trial often leads to better outcomes because insurance companies know the attorney is willing to follow through.
Helping Clients When It Matters Most
For individuals who have been injured in a car accident, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Between medical treatment, missed work, and dealing with insurance companies, it can be difficult to know what steps to take next.
While most cases are resolved without going to court, some situations require more.
At McMullin Injury Law, we are committed to helping clients through every stage of the process — whether that means negotiating a fair settlement or taking a case all the way to trial.
Talk to Our Team About Your Case
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in St. George, Cedar City, or anywhere in Southern Utah, it’s important to understand your options.
Contact McMullin Injury Law today for a free consultation.