This is the next post in my series on the handling of car accident cases in south Texas. My last article discussed the commonly asked question of who pays medical the bills after a Laredo car accident. It is important to understand that such expenses are typically paid initially by the victim’s own health insurance. If the victim does not have health insurance, then medical providers will often offer treatment in exchange for a lien against any eventual settlement. If the victim does have insurance, then the victim’s insurer will take a lien against any eventual settlement in order to recoup their costs. It is important that you retain a personal injury attorney who is experienced in negotiating the liens to a lower level so that you may obtain the maximum settlement possible. In this article I will discuss the process which victims face when attending trial for an auto wreck. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance, then contact my office today to speak with a Laredo car accident lawyer.
Trial will begin with the selection of a jury. The potential jurors are chosen from a pool that is composed of individuals who live in our local community. The attorneys for each side will be able to ask questions of the prospective jurors and the judge will ask questions of them as well. If it is clear from these questions that a potential juror is not capable of being unbiased, then the judge may dismiss them “for cause.” The attorneys for each side will also be permitted a certain number of challenges so that they may remove potential jurors from the pool. It is important to remember that a juror may not be removed for discriminatory reasons. Such reasons would include disqualification on the basis of race, gender, religion, or some other protected characteristic. Once the final Jury has been selected then it will be impaneled.
After the completion of jury selection each side will make an opening statement. Opening statements are not a time for argument. Instead, each side will inform the new jury of the types of evidence which they can expect to hear during the trial. The plaintiff’s lawyer will present their evidence and witnesses. This will be followed by the defense’s presentation. After that, the plaintiff may present “rebuttal” evidence. Rebuttal is not a time for the submission of new evidence. Instead, it may only be used to “rebut” claims that have been made by the defense. After the close of evidence each side will make a closing statement to the jury. The jurors will then receive instructions from the judge and will be asked to deliberate. The jurors will then return a verdict that decides all matters of liability, comparative fault, and damages. The case will then be concluded.
It is important to understand that trial is a highly complicated process. The rules of evidence will be strictly enforced and if they are not followed then the result will be that the plaintiff may not be able to present all of their evidence to the jurors. This can result in the Plaintiff receiving less compensation than they deserve or, worse, the jury ruling in favor of the defense. By retaining a personal injury attorney, who is experienced in handling of trials, you help to ensure the chances of your case being handled correctly.
I am a Laredo car accident attorney who takes great pride in the level of service provided by our office. We stay in regular communication with our clients so that they know what to expect as the case moves forward. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and we will give your case the attention it deserves. If you are a loved one require assistance then contact my office today to speak with the Laredo personal injury attorney.