Is it possible to settle out of court without having to go to trial?

Yes.  The vast majority of our cases settle before trial.  Oftentimes the insurance companies that represent the wrongdoers come to an understanding that if they proceed to trial, a jury of your peers may very well return a verdict in your favor for significant monetary damages.  It is not at all uncommon that the insurance company will solicit a demand or make an offer after the case is put into suit because of this fact.