When you’ve been involved in a car accident, you want to be compensated for your losses – medical expenses, lost wages and other accident-related damages – as soon as possible. Having an experienced car accident attorney in Acworth is the best way to make sure your rights are represented so you can get the best possible outcome, and in many cases, reach a settlement in your favor without ever needing to set foot in court.
But in some cases – and especially when the stakes are high – you and your attorney may not be able to reach a satisfactory agreement with the insurance company. And that means you’ll need to be prepared to go to court.
For most people, going in front of a judge and jury conjures up a lot of nervous, anxious feelings. Certainly, part of that reaction is because so much is at stake. But another large contributing factor is the unfamiliarity of the court system – not knowing what to expect during a Georgia car accident trial. Once you know what happens step-by-step – and you have a skilled Acworth car accident lawyer to rely on – the court process doesn’t seem so formidable and nerve-wracking. Here’s a brief rundown of what you can expect:
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· Jury selection: In most cases, you trial will be heard by a jury, not just a judge. The first step is selecting members of the jury. During jury selection, potential jurors are asked questions to determine if they can be impartial in making a decision. Some are accepted to serve while others are rejected.
· Opening statements: Both the plaintiff and defendant make an opening statement to briefly review their case and refer to evidence that will be presented during the rest of the trial.
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· Plaintiff’s presentation: The plaintiff (that’s you) goes first because their side has the burden of proving the case. During the presentation of evidence, witnesses may be called, including the accident victims, people who saw the accident or were at the scene, medical personnel who treated you and expert witnesses who can speak to the nature of the accident and its effects, both immediate and long-term. Photos, written documents and other evidence may also be presented. All of the evidence presented will be offered as support of your claim. The defense will have an opportunity to cross-examine witnesses following their testimony.
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· Defendant’s presentation: Once the plaintiff makes its case and “rests”, the defense follows the same format, presenting evidence to support its claims while also trying to refute the plaintiff’s evidence. Your attorney will be able to cross-examine witnesses before they leave the stand. Once the defense presents all its evidence, the defense rests and the testimony and evidence portion of the trial is over.
· Closing arguments: The closing arguments are a summation of the evidence and points made during the trial. Each side has a chance to present closing arguments to the jury.
· Deliberation: During deliberation, the jury retires to a private area to consider the case, review evidence and eventually come to a decision.
· Verdict: Once the jury reaches a decision, they notify the judge and all parties re-enter the courtroom for the verdict to be read aloud.
As an experienced car accident lawyer in Acworth, Roger Ghai helps his clients understand the court process so they don’t feel overwhelmed. He and his staff have considerable experience helping clients navigate the legal system and building strong cases that achieve successful outcomes. If you’ve been injured in a can accident, you need a skilled car accident attorney in Acworth to ensure you get the best outcome possible. Call the Law Offices of Roger Ghai today at (770) 792-1000 to schedule a consultation.
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