Let The Jury Decide Your Personal Injury Case
Car accident cases almost always settle outside of court. However, several situations can call for a case to be heard by a judge and jury. Getting ready for a trial can be confusing to many victims who just want to be treated fairly. Knowing what to expect, in many cases, will help ease the way forward. Soon, the judge will be handing down a court judgment in your favor. First, though, you must prepare for trial.
What About Mediation?
Before you begin court preparations, consider mediation. Although your lawyer has undoubtedly been hard at work resolving issues with your case, mediation may work when other methods don't. Professional mediators use their skills to encourage the parties to compromise. Not all cases, though, can be worked out using mediation. Speak to your personal injury lawyer and find out if your case could be kept out of court using mediation.
Legal Trial Preparations
Discovery is the overall term used to describe how both sides prepare for trial. Discovery is a group of several actions. However, the goal of all discovery actions is the same: to share evidence about the case. One discovery action, in particular, is the deposition. Rather than sharing evidence, a deposition calls for the victim and others to give recorded, sworn testimony. Being questioned can bring new insights into the accident and the victim's medical treatment. The testimony is often used in court later.
Jury Selection
The jury panel consists of people from the same geographical location as the victim. This jury of peers is picked in a selection activity known as voir dire. You may or may not be present during jury selection, depending on local practices.
The Court is in Session
Many victims are caught off-guard over the extra hearings and delays that often occur before the trial begins. However, eventually, the lawyers give their opening statements, and the defense begins calling witnesses to the stand and introducing evidence into the court record. The defense, by the way, is the other side — the other driver and their legal representatives from the insurance company.
Once the defense pleads their case, it's your turn. Your lawyer will put witnesses on the stand to speak about how the accident occurred, about your injuries, and other important issues. Cross-examinations may occur after each witness is questioned.
Finally, a court judgment is handed down by the judge after the jury decides on the case. To find out more, speak to your personal injury car accident attorney.
