One of the most important—but least understood—factors influencing the value of a personal injury case is whether the law firm handling it is willing and able to go to trial. Insurance companies keep detailed data on which law firms try cases and which ones avoid the courtroom. As a result, trial-ready firms consistently achieve stronger settlements because insurers know they cannot pressure them into accepting low offers.
At Kubota & Craig, trial readiness is not a slogan—it is the foundation of how we practice law.
1. Insurance Companies Track Every Law Firm’s Behavior
Large insurers maintain databases that track:
How often a firm files lawsuits
Whether they take cases to trial
Average settlement values
How frequently they accept early offers
Whether they work up cases with experts
Firms that rarely litigate become known as “easy settlement” firms.
Firms that prepare cases thoroughly—like trial-law practices—are treated very differently.
When victims consult a car accident lawyer in Irvine, they often do not realize that the firm’s reputation directly affects their settlement value.
2. Trial-Ready Firms Build Cases from Day One
At Kubota & Craig, we prepare every case as if it will go before a jury. This includes:
Immediate evidence preservation
Accident reconstruction when appropriate
Early medical expert involvement
Economic and vocational analysis
Thorough liability investigation
Jury-focused strategy development
This is especially important in complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, where victims may later require a brain injury lawyer in Irvine or catastrophic-injury specialist.
3. Stronger Depositions = Stronger Settlements
Depositions are a powerful turning point in any lawsuit. Trial-ready firms:
Take impactful depositions
Challenge weak testimony
Establish credibility for the injured client
Expose inconsistencies in the defense
Set up powerful trial themes
Insurance companies regularly increase offers after strong depositions because they know a jury may side with the plaintiff.
4. Experts Make or Break a Case
Trial-driven firms invest in expert testimony, including:
Medical specialists
Accident reconstructionists
Neurosurgeons
Economists
Life-care planners
Cases involving commercial vehicles or high-force impacts often require guidance from a truck accident attorney in Orange County, who knows how to coordinate specialized expert teams.
Insurance companies notice when firms avoid experts—and they reduce case value accordingly.
5. Trial-Ready Firms Do Not Fear the Courtroom
Insurance companies consistently offer higher settlements to:
Firms with a track record of verdicts
Firms known for high-level litigation
Firms prepared to take cases to trial
When a firm is truly willing to go to court, the insurer must evaluate:
Jury sympathy
Credibility of witnesses
Strength of medical evidence
Risk of a high verdict
This directly translates into better outcomes for clients.
Families facing the worst-case scenario often turn to a wrongful death lawyer in Orange County, and insurers take these claims especially seriously when a trial-focused firm is involved.
6. Trial Preparation Creates Leverage—even if the Case Settles
Most cases settle.
But high settlements don’t happen by accident—they happen because the defense knows the plaintiff’s lawyer is ready for trial.
Trial-ready preparation includes:
Exhibits
Demonstratives
Expert reports
Motions
Witness preparation
Jury analysis
A personal injury law firm in Irvine that puts in this level of work commands higher respect—and higher offers.
7. Inside the Kubota & Craig Trial Philosophy
Our approach centers on:
Authenticity in the courtroom
Detailed preparation
Visual storytelling
Client-centered narratives
Respect for jurors and the justice system
We’ve built our practice on professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our clients—qualities recognized by Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms (Tier 1), and the Orange County legal community.
Conclusion
Insurance companies know which lawyers will go to trial and which ones will not. That knowledge can dramatically impact your settlement value. Choosing a firm with real courtroom experience—one that is respected for its preparation, strategy, and results—gives injury victims the strongest chance of securing a fair and just outcome.
About the Authors
Yoshiaki C. Kubota is a senior trial attorney at Kubota & Craig, PC, a National and Regional Tier 1 personal injury law firm based in Irvine, California. Recognized by Best Lawyers, awarded leadership honors in the legal community, and widely respected for their trial work, they represent clients in catastrophic injury, motor vehicle collisions, wrongful death, and complex liability cases across Orange County.
