Personal injury lawyers can request bench trials but need defendant agreement or jury trial waiver since either party typically has jury trial rights. Strategic bench trial reasons include complex legal issues, inflammatory evidence, or favorable judge assignments. Judges may better understand technical evidence or economic calculations. Emotional damages often receive better jury reception. Local jury pools may favor certain parties. Bench trials proceed faster with fewer procedural requirements. Appeals focus on legal errors rather than factual findings. Some judges develop reputations favoring plaintiffs or defendants. Insurance coverage disputes often suit bench trials. Precedent value may influence institutional defendants toward bench trials.