Gathering Evidence and Discovery
Once the defendant has been served with your complaint regarding the car accident, your attorney can begin gathering evidence. This may include producing documents and the deposition, a process during which witnesses and others involved in the case will answer the attorneys' questions while a court reporter types a transcript.
In a personal injury case, each side is allowed to see the evidence that will be used in the trial to begin preparation. For this reason, you should be forthright with your attorney to avoid any surprising facts during this process.
Pre-Trial Motions
Before the trial begins, each side may be presented the opportunity to file pre-trial motions. These may include motions to dismiss the case and motions to dispute the facts. Sometimes, the judge may even decide that there is not enough evidence for a case, which could result in immediate dismissal.
The Trial Phase
It is important to note that many car accident injury cases are settled long before they go to trial. If this is the case, you will receive compensation for your injuries, and the legal process will end.
If your case goes to trial, the first step is jury selection. During jury selection, each attorney has the opportunity to strike jurors whom they feel will hurt their case. Once the jury is selected, the trial will start.
Each side will have the opportunity to make an opening argument. Next, witnesses will be called to the stand to answer questions and present evidence. After all of the witnesses have been called, each side will make a closing statement.
The jury then will deliberate to reach a verdict. If your case is successful, you will receive a settlement. If you do not win, this is the end of your case.
Contact an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney
When you are hurt by the actions of a careless driver, the last thing you want to deal with is the intricacies of a personal injury case. Fortunately, Shane Smith Law is here to help you at this time. Click here for our guide, I Was Hit By a Drunk Driver: What Do I Do Next? or call our law office today at } for assistance with your claim.