Most people filing a claim—especially after a car accident or personal injury—want to know:
“What is the success rate of a lawsuit?”
While exact percentages vary depending on the type of case and the strength of the evidence, the truth is this:
Most personal injury lawsuits—especially car accident cases—settle successfully before trial.
Only a small percentage go all the way to a jury verdict.
Here’s what affects lawsuit success rates and what NYC injury victims should expect.
What Is the Average Success Rate of a Lawsuit?
According to data from the U.S. Department of Justice:
- 95% of personal injury cases settle before trial
- Of the cases that go to trial, plaintiffs win approximately 50% of the time
Authoritative reference:
- Bureau of Justice Statistics – Civil Justice Data:
https://bjs.ojp.gov
This means most injured victims resolve their claim successfully—especially when represented by a skilled car accident lawyer.
Why Do So Many Cases Settle Successfully?

Insurance companies prefer settlements because trials are expensive and unpredictable.
Victims prefer settlements because they get compensation faster.
A strong NYC attorney helps secure settlements by:
- Gathering clear evidence
- Documenting medical injuries
- Negotiating aggressively
- Preparing for trial when needed
Factors That Affect the Success Rate of a Lawsuit
1. Strength of Evidence
Clear proof of fault increases the success rate dramatically.
This includes police reports, medical records, photos, and witness statements.
Trusted reference:
- NHTSA – Crash Reporting: https://www.nhtsa.gov
2. Quality of Medical Documentation
Your case is only as strong as your medical records.
Medical reference:
- Mayo Clinic – Common Accident Injuries: https://www.mayoclinic.org
3. Lawyer Experience
Working with an experienced NYC personal injury lawyer greatly increases your chance of success.
Attorneys with trial experience are more effective negotiators—insurance companies don’t want to risk facing them in court.
4. Type of Lawsuit

Success rates differ depending on the category:
- Car Accident Cases: High success rate
- Slip and Fall Claims: Moderate, depending on property negligence
- Medical Malpractice: Lower, due to complex standards
- Wrongful Death: Moderate to high with strong evidence
Your attorney will evaluate your specific case type and legal obstacles.
What Is the Success Rate of a Car Accident Lawsuit in NYC?
Car accident cases tend to have strong success rates, especially when:
- Fault is clear
- Injuries are documented
- Insurance coverage is available
Most NYC car accident cases successfully settle without trial.
How to Increase Your Chances of Winning
- Get medical treatment immediately
- Document the accident thoroughly
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies
- Hire an experienced NYC lawyer as soon as possible
- Follow all medical instructions
- Keep records of expenses, symptoms, and lost wages
These steps significantly increase your lawsuit’s success rate.
Final Thoughts

The success rate of a lawsuit depends on many factors—but with the right evidence and the right lawyer, your odds increase dramatically.
Most personal injury cases, especially car accident claims, are resolved successfully without going to trial.
📞 Redmond Law Firm PLLC is here to help you win your case. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.