Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party, called a mediator, helps the people involved in a legal dispute try to reach a mutually acceptable settlement without going to court. Unlike a judge or arbitrator who makes binding decisions, the mediator doesn't decide who wins or loses - instead, they facilitate discussions between both sides, help them understand each other's positions, and guide them toward finding a compromise they can both live with. The mediator has no power to force a settlement, and either party can walk away at any time if they're not satisfied with the negotiations.
In personal injury cases, mediation is often used as an alternative to lengthy and expensive court trials, giving both the injured person and the insurance company a chance to resolve their dispute in a more informal, private setting. During mediation, both sides present their case to the mediator, who then works with each party separately and together to explore possible settlement amounts and terms. Many personal injury cases are successfully resolved through mediation because it allows for creative solutions and gives both parties more control over the outcome than they would have if a judge or jury made the final decision, while also saving time and money compared to going to trial.
