If you're injured in a Connecticut auto accident, you may be under the impression that you have two choices when it comes to getting compensation: take whatever settlement the insurance company offers or go to trial. But there are other ways to recover damages, including by mediation. This is a form of alternative dispute resolution that can avoid the expense, delay and uncertainty of litigation.

The possibility taking a case to mediation usually arises when one attorney suggests it to the other. If both sides agree, then they will decide on a mediator — a neutral third party who is often a retired judge or a lawyer with experience in car accident cases. Mediators do not take sides, nor will they make a decision on the case. Instead, they facilitate discussion and work to help the parties reach a mutually agreeable settlement. Mediation can occur at any point in a case: before a lawsuit is filed, on the day before trial or at any time in between.

If you are hurt in an auto accident, there are several reasons why you might want to consider submitting your personal injury case to mediation:

• You retain more control over the outcome than you would if you left the decision up to a judge or jury.
• The process is private and confidential, unlike court proceedings.
• Scheduling is usually easier because you don’t have to fit into a court calendar.
• Mediation can start in the middle of a case as a way to break an impasse between you and the defendant.
• You are not obligated to resolve the case in mediation. If a settlement isn’t forthcoming or if you get a settlement offer that isn’t satisfactory, you can reject it and go back to court.
• You can choose private mediation, in which the costs of the mediator are paid by you and the other party.
• The Connecticut judicial branch also offers a mediation program. You’ll need to pay your attorneys and you will incur certain other costs, but the judicial mediator does not charge a fee for conducting the mediation.

While car accident mediation is much less formal than litigation, it still involves a great deal of strategy and planning. Because of this, you’ll want to retain an attorney who has a great deal of experience resolving Connecticut injury claims in mediation — someone who can prepare you for what to expect and educate you about the possible outcomes.

At Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C., our lawyers have extensive experience representing auto accident victims in mediation of injury claims. Our Hamden or East Haven attorneys can assess your situation and determine whether mediation might be useful in your case. Please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online anytime to arrange a free initial consultation.