When you sustain an injury due to another party’s negligence, whether they caused a car accident or slip and fall, understanding what you can expect if you file a claim is critical. Unfortunately, most people are hesitant to pursue compensation because they believe the process will be long, arduous, and not worth the compensation they’ll recover. However, this is far from the truth. Holding the negligent party liable for the injuries they’ve caused you is essential to ensuring you get the justice you deserve. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn more about this process and what you can expect when you connect with an Ouachita Parish, Louisiana personal injury lawyer.
What Determines Whether or Not My Personal Injury Case Will Go to Court?
It’s critical to understand that most personal injury cases do not proceed to trial. This is because the parties involved can typically settle in outside of court. This is often the most beneficial option for both parties, as a trial can be long and cost both sides money.
When you are injured by a negligent party, you will likely begin the process of recovering compensation by filing a claim through their insurance. This allows an agent to evaluate the extent of your injuries and your damages before offering you what’s known as a settlement amount. It’s critical to understand that in most instances, the first amount offered will not accurately represent the nature of your damages. This is because the insurance company relies on you accepting the first, undervalued offer instead of negotiating with them for higher funds.
In rare circumstances, you may not be able to reach an agreement, which can result in a personal injury trial.
What Can I Expect if I Go to Trial?
If your case goes to trial, the most important thing you should know is that it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney who can represent you during these challenging issues.
When you go to trial, you can expect each side to make opening statements, which is essentially where they introduce their main arguments. Once this concludes, you’ll enter the presentation stage. This is where your attorney will provide evidence to show that you were not at fault for the accident and injuries you’ve sustained and utilize different methods to illustrate the extent of the damages you’ve suffered.
Once this portion is done, each side will provide their closing statements, reaffirming their position and important points on the matter. Then, the jury will deliberate and issue a decision on the matter.
Trying to navigate this matter on your own can be incredibly overwhelming, which is why our team is here to help. At Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, we understand that the idea of going to trial can be anxiety-inducing, especially when dealing with the pain and emotional damages of a personal injury. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you during these complicated matters.
