When car accident cases head to court
When people are injured in an Illinois car crash through no fault of their own, they may need to take legal action to pursue compensation for the damages they have suffered. In many cases, insurance companies will offer an out-of-court settlement. However, a proposed settlement may not address all the losses of the accident victim, and it is necessary to move forward to trial. When a personal injury case goes to the courtroom, it will generally operate along standard guidelines.
Both the plaintiff — the accident victim bringing the claim — and the defendant will be represented in court by their lawyers. Before the case begins, both sides will submit written documents that address their major claims about the incident. A judge will oversee the case, and in many cases, a jury will also be present to decide on the matter. While jurors are invited randomly, both lawyers will have the opportunity to ask certain questions and exclude some potential jurors.
During the trial itself, both sides will attempt to present their case and establish a narrative about the car accident. Both sides may make certain motions to the judge, seeking to dismiss the case. The plaintiff will present evidence of his or her injuries, including police reports, witness testimony, medical records, photographs and other details. Medical experts may come in to testify about the plaintiff’s injuries. In response, the defendant will try to rebut these claims and present alternative evidence.
Someone who has been injured in a car crash may suffer from serious health issues and lifelong disabilities. A personal injury lawyer can help to make sure that an accident victim is well-represented throughout all stages of the process. The attorney can fight hard for the client’s interests, whether in settlement negotiations or in the courtroom.