Approximately 95 percent of personal injury cases are settled out of court because there are so many uncertainties and expenses associated with litigation. Not to mention, the time it takes. Both plaintiffs and defendants typically prefer to negotiate settlements to achieve quicker resolutions and avoid the risks of a trial, where outcomes can be unpredictable. Settlements also allow parties to maintain more control over the outcome and tailor agreements to their specific needs, rather than relying on the judgment of a court. Additionally, settling out of court can help parties avoid the emotional toll of prolonged legal battles and preserve relationships that may be strained by contentious litigation.
If you are facing a personal injury case, it is very important to choose a personal injury attorney who will use their skills to negotiate a fair settlement for your losses and injuries but who has the expertise to prevail in a court trial if a settlement cannot be negotiated. If your case is heading to trial, you may have some questions about the process.
What Should I Expect If My Personal Injury Case Goes to Trial?
There are many stages involved in a personal injury case that goes to trial. To start, an experienced personal injury attorney will build a solid case by gathering evidence, interviewing and retaining expert witnesses (as needed), and developing legal arguments to present in court. You should be briefed on what to expect during the trial process.
Here’s what you can generally expect from the steps of a personal injury trial:
- Jury selection
In a jury trial, potential jurors will be selected through a process called voir dire. Both your attorney and the opposing counsel will have the opportunity to question potential jurors to ensure impartiality and some potential jurors may be eliminated based on their answers.
- Opening statements
Each side will make an opening statement outlining their case and what they intend to prove. Your attorney will present your case, highlighting key points and evidence supporting your claim.
- Presentation of evidence
Both sides will present evidence to support their arguments. This may include witness testimony, expert testimony, medical records, photographs, and other relevant documentation.
- Cross-examination
Witnesses may be cross-examined by the opposing counsel to challenge their testimony or credibility.
- Closing arguments
After all evidence has been presented, both sides will make closing arguments summarizing their case and persuading the jury to rule in their favor.
- Jury deliberation
If your case is being heard by a jury, they will deliberate in private to reach a verdict. The jury must reach a unanimous decision in civil cases.
- Verdict
Once the jury reaches a verdict, it will be announced in court. If your case is being heard by a judge without a jury, the judge will make a decision based on the evidence presented.
- Appeal
Depending on the outcome, either party may have the option to appeal the verdict if they believe legal errors were made during the trial.
Throughout the trial process, your attorney will guide you and advocate on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. It’s important to be patient and trust in your legal representation so be careful when choosing the lawyer who will represent you.
Contact a personal injury lawyer today!
An accident lawyer can help you recover a full and fair settlement for the injuries you sustained in an accident caused by the negligence of another with no up-front costs to you. We know the sneaky strategies used by insurance companies to get injured people to agree to settlements far below what they are worth. Our clients typically end up with a settlement or jury award that is five to ten times larger than they could have negotiated on their own. We have been representing injured people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. Contact the experienced and hard-working personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Mount Vernon, WA today for a FREE consultation!
