Legal Insights: What to Expect During an Auto Accident Trial.
During an auto injury trial, you and the defendant will have the chance to present evidence and fight your cases in front of a judge or jury. At the end of the trial, the judge or jury will reach a verdict, which could allow you to recover a financial settlement.
Because the car accident trial process can become complex, many accident victims choose to hire a personal injury attorney to manage their cases. If you choose to work with a car accident lawyer, they can provide legal insight, gather evidence, represent you in the courtroom, and prepare you for trial.
Steps Involved in an Auto Accident Court Case 
Many car accident cases are settled before they go to trial. Whether through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, you can generally recover compensation without needing to proceed to the trial stage.
However, if it is necessary to present your case in a courtroom, there are several steps to the legal process. These include:
Jury Selection
Jurors play an important role in your case, so they must be selected fairly and impartially. Some cases do not demand a jury during trial. In these cases, a judge would make the final decision. If your case does require a jury, the judge will select jurors by asking them questions. This helps determine whether they have any prejudices that could get in the way of their ability to make a fair case decision.
Opening Statements
Once an appropriate jury is selected and sworn in, you and your legal team will be able to give an overview of the case. The liable party and their Personal Injury law firm Fort Lauderdale will do the same.
Presenting Evidence
You and the defendant can present evidence in front of the jury and judge. For example, witness testimonies in car accident trials can play an important role. Other evidence in auto-injury trials can include: 
- Your medical records
- The police report
- Expert witness testimony
- Photos and videos from the accident scene
- Proof of property damage
Your attorney will investigate your case before your trial date to ensure you have evidence to present to the judge or jury.
Closing Arguments
During closing arguments, each side of the case will have the chance to defend themselves and highlight reasons why the judge or jury should vote in their favor. You and your legal representatives can remind the judge or jury of the defendant’s negligence, calling on evidence that proves you deserve compensation.
The Judge or Jury’s Verdict
At the end of the case, the judge or the foreperson of the jury will state the jury’s decision on the case. In more complicated cases, the judge or jury may not be able to reach a verdict, which could cause the trial to take longer.
If You Win Your Auto Injury Trial, You May be Entitled to Compensation
The purposes of a civil trial are to hold the liable party accountable for their wrongdoing and recover compensation. You can recover a fair settlement without going to trial, so long as the liable party, their legal team, and their insurance company agree to settle fairly.
Whether your case goes to trial or not, many car accident victims are eligible to recover the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses for any costs incurred because of the accident, such as hospital fees, X-rays, assistive devices, travel to appointments, and prescription medications
- Ongoing medical care costs, if your injuries are expected to need continued treatment
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lost income, if you had to spend time away from work to recover from your injuries
- Reduced earning capacity, if you’re unable to work at your pre-accident job
- Reduced quality of life and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage, especially if your vehicle was damaged or destroyed
- Mental anguish, if you now suffer from anxiety or depression because of the trauma of the crash
When you hire a personal injury attorney, they can assess the value of your claim to ensure you seek fair compensation.
How a Personal Injury Law Firm Can Help You During an Auto Injury Trial
Legal proceedings after a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can be intimidating, and you may feel even more anxious going into it alone. If you hire an auto accident attorney for legal assistance, they will:
- Offer advice about going to trial, such as what to expect and what to wear
- Prepare any witnesses
- Complete any paperwork
- Inform you of the laws that apply to your case
- Stand up for your rights
- Ensure you do not settle for less compensation than you deserve
- Communicate with all other parties involved in your case
Your auto accident injury lawyer will be your go-to throughout the legal process. They can answer your questions and advocate for your well-being from start to finish.
Contact Our Firm If You’re Not Sure What to Expect During an Auto Injury Trial
If your case goes to trial, you’ll want to work with a law firm that will provide honesty, attentiveness, and prompt communication. You’ll find all this and more in the legal team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato.
Our lawyers fight for the compensation you deserve, and we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial if necessary. Call us today at (954) 633-8270 to discuss your options during a free initial consultation. Remember that Florida Statutes § 95.11 generally limits the time you have to file a lawsuit to two years. The sooner you contact us, the better we can serve you.
