Were you injured in a car accident? Severe accidents and even minor ones can result in injuries for anyone involved. If the other driver is at fault for the accident, you have the right to file a lawsuit. The purpose of a car accident case is to collect compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost income, and other hardships you have experienced as a result of your injuries.
In many cases, it is the insurance company that is refusing to pay what a client deserves. Many car accident cases are settled out of court, but some do go to trial. If your case goes to court, you need to know how to prepare for it. As the victim, you will need to appear in court and most likely take the stand to give your testimony and answer questions.
Here are 5 tips to prepare for your car accident case. These are all things your lawyer will advise you on and help you with to prepare for your court date.
- Learn Basic Courtroom Rules and Procedures. If you’ve never been involved in a court case before, it helps to know what to expect. Your lawyer will go over courtroom procedures such as etiquette, order of proceedings, terminology, and other important information about what will happen in court. When you are prepared, the whole experience will be less intimidating, allowing you to focus on your testimony.
- Prepare Evidence and Documentation for Your Case. Your lawyer will take care of the preparations for the case in terms of gathering evidence and documentation. You may be required to submit medical bills, copies of pay stubs, insurance paperwork, medical records, photos, and other items that your lawyer will need to build your case. Keep copies of everything pertaining to your case, whether you think you may need it or not. Your lawyer will use anything and everything possible to prove to the court that you deserve the compensation that is being requested.
- Calculate and Prepare to Present Itemized and Total Damages. Your lawyer will need to show proof of the financial damages you have suffered due to the accident and your injuries. The documentation gathered previously will be used to create an itemized list of costs that have accrued, both paid and unpaid. To win financial compensation, the court will want to see exactly what your injuries have cost you in comparison to what the insurance company has offered to pay.
- Review the Case Before the Court Date. It can take a while to get a court date for a car accident case, up to a year or more. You and your lawyer may do all of the preparations for your case and then end up waiting a while before going to court. When you do have a court date, your lawyer will want to review the case with you closer to that date so that everything is fresh in your mind.
- Prepare Your Testimony and Answers to Common Questions. As the victim, there is a good chance you will have to take a stand to present your testimony and answer questions. It is a good idea to practice this with your lawyer prior to your court date. Practice stating your testimony the way your lawyer advises you. Also, practice answering questions the defending lawyer will ask you when you are on the stand. The opposing lawyer may try to intimidate you into saying the wrong thing and jeopardizing your case, but being prepared will help you stay on track.
Need Help With Your Car Accident Case? Contact The Law Office of Joel A. Levine
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and you’re tired of getting the runaround by the insurance companies, contact The Law Office of Joel A. Levine, Austin’s car accident lawyer. We focus on personal injury cases and will fight for your rights in court to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call (512) 982-1510 today to schedule a consultation or request a free case evaluation. We only get paid if you are awarded compensation.
