Understanding a Personal Injury Trial

It’s a fact of life that accidents happen, and sometimes those accidents result in serious injuries. However, some accidents can be prevented.

Suffering an injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence or as a result of medical malpractice can be traumatic in a number of ways. Not only is it physically and emotionally painful, it can also place a strain on your finances, leaving you with medical bills, lost wages, and other such issues to worry about.

At Selingo Guagliardo, we know how difficult it is dealing with an injury resulting from someone else’s carelessness. Instead of letting that hold you back, we want to help you go forward and get the compensation you need to live your life to its fullest.

That said, before you pursue a personal injury case, it’s important to understand what that fully entails. Although some cases end  in a settlement before ever going to court, others will require a personal injury trial.

What Is a Personal Injury Trial?

When a person suffers an injury in a car accident or other unforeseen calamity, there are usually two ways the matter can be settled between the injured party and the negligent party. First, the two parties can agree to an informal settlement. The second option: filing a formal complaint or lawsuit.

Resolving matters through a personal injury trial is often a complicated process that requires the help of an experienced and professional personal injury attorney. If you’re hesitant or confused about what you should do following an injury, consider scheduling an appointment with the lawyers at Selingo Guagliardo. We can help you evaluate all aspects of your personal injury claim to help you determine the right course of action for you.

How to Prepare Yourself for a Personal Injury Trial

Discuss Your Concerns with an Attorney

In a trial, both parties are entitled to have their own lawyers to pursue or defend  the case and assist them with the trial necessities. A good personal injury lawyer will provide you with expert guidance and advice every step of the way.

Assemble Necessary Documents and Evidence

Prior to your trial, you will be asked to provide facts and documents to justify your personal injury. This may include medical records showing the extent of your injury, bank statements showing the negative effect your injury has had on your finances, and any evidence you might have that your injury was caused by another party’s negligence.

For example, if you were injured in a slip and fall accident, you might want to include photographs of the site of the incident that show slippery floors, missing handrails, or insufficient safety precautions. Anything you think may support your claim should be considered as possible evidence.

Consider Resolutions Before the Personal Injury Trial

Before your personal injury trial starts, it is possible to settle things without having to go to court. Discussions, resolutions, and arrangements can be held between both parties until they arrive at a decision that all sides mutually agree on. However, if things still remain hard to resolve or if one party refuses to compromise, the next step is the trial itself.

It’s important not to feel pressured to accept a settlement that you don’t feel comfortable with. While resolving matters without going to trial is often beneficial for everyone involved, your lawyer will be able to give you an idea if a suggested settlement is adequate or not.

Pursue Your Claims in a Court of Law

During the trial, evidence and documents will be presented, and both sides will have the chance to express their arguments about the case. Trials usually require multiple days, although depending on the complexity of the case and the number of witnesses involved, it is possible for the matter to be settled after just one session.

When the trial is over, the judge will instruct the jury on the law and the jury will then decide the facts to enable them to provide their verdict or decision. This can be in favor of one party, or a compromised decision where both parties share fault.

Get Yourself a Good Lawyer Today

While a personal injury trial is never something to take lightly, it shouldn’t cause you undue stress or anxiety either. The whole point of a personal injury case, after all, is to get you the support and compensation you deserve.

That’s why, at Selingo Guagliardo, we strive to ensure that your personal injury trial experience is as smooth as possible. We are here to help you navigate the complicated world of personal injury law and to ensure you achieve the best outcome possible.

Let us put our expertise to work for you. Contact Selingo Guagliardo today.