December 11, 2023
Will I Have to Appear in Court for My Car Accident Case?
Car accident cases can have countless outcomes from a legal standpoint, from a minor crash decided upon in traffic court to a case heard in front of a jury. The requirement to appear in court varies, depending on the circumstances. Providing testimony can certainly be intimidating but is not always necessary.
Should your case go to trial, you can take the witness stand to offer testimony on your behalf. That is not a guarantee that you will not have to take the stand, though, as the other side might call you as a witness. Again, a small minority of car accident cases go to trial, so the chances of this happening are slim.
You may need to appear at a deposition for your case, but there will be less pressure. This is done under oath, and the questioning occurs at another location, like a lawyer’s office. This is done to gather evidence that is pertinent to your case.
Will the Insurance Company Pay for My Damages?
Your insurance provider might provide compensation for your medical and property damage costs. It is important never to accept an insurance company check immediately because cashing it could limit your options if your costs are more than initially thought.
A car accident lawyer can advise you on an insurance company settlement offer and may be able to negotiate a higher amount or an out-of-court settlement. This generally happens in these situations because they take less time and can cost less for both sides. When insurance companies refuse to agree on compensation, the car accident case may go to trial.
Car Accident Trials
A car accident trial starts with jury selection. There will be opening statements once everyone settles in on the day of the trial. Then, the plaintiff’s side will present their case first since they have the burden of proof. This may include calling witnesses, including physicians who treated your injuries.
The defense will have a turn once the plaintiff’s side has been presented. Their job is to contradict the testimony that was given to the jury. After closing statements are made, the jury will be given time to deliberate. Their verdict will be presented to the judge, who will read it aloud to the room. A court case could result in a more favorable outcome than the insurance company offered. Your attorney can advise you about the need to be at the trial and the pros and cons of providing testimony.
Our Delaware County Car Accident Lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. Skillfully Represent Clients in Car Accident Trials
Going to court for a car accident case is not always the right decision. Still, no matter the choices, you can count on our experienced Delaware County car accident lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. for legal guidance. Contact us online or call us at 267-861-7100 to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Norristown.