Car accidents can cause serious or even life-altering injuries. If another driver’s negligence is to blame for an accident, they may be held responsible for your damages.
If you have been hurt in a car collision, litigation may be your only path to a monetary award. In some situations, your case can even go to trial. If you have questions about car accident trials in Mankato, this is the right time to get answers from our dedicated auto collision attorneys.
Stages of a Trial
Every Mankato car crash trial is unique, but the cases follow the same general schedule. Not every case will include every stage because some cases are dismissed or settled before a jury or judge renders a verdict.
Many major legal decisions are made before the trial begins. Both sides have the opportunity to exchange information in a process known as discovery. The parties also have the opportunity to file motions limiting the evidence that can be presented or the witnesses who can be heard at trial. Pre-trial hearings can have a significant impact on the result of a trial.
Once the trial is set to begin, the first step is jury selection, also known as voir dire. Both sides have the opportunity to ask questions of the potential jury pool and provide input on which jurors will ultimately decide the case.
Next come the opening statements. The plaintiff’s attorney will discuss what they intend to prove to the jury, and then the defendant’s attorney does the same. After making their opening statements, the plaintiff’s lawyer puts on their evidence and calls witnesses, and then the defendant’s lawyer does too.
Each side is allowed to question witnesses called by the other party. This process, which is known as cross-examination, can be challenging for unprepared witnesses. If you are the injured party in a car crash trial, your attorney can prepare you for any questions you may be asked and walk you through what to expect.
After all the evidence is presented, the parties will make closing arguments, and then the case will go to the jury for deliberation.
Will a Jury Hear the Case?
Like the parties in criminal cases, parties to civil proceedings are entitled to a jury trial under both state and federal law. A jury includes only six members in civil cases, which differs from the 12 required in criminal proceedings.
While both parties have a right to a jury trial, they can waive it if they choose. A judge can also hear the case and render a verdict instead of jurors. If you suffered injuries in a Mankato car collision, the lawyers at Maschka Personal Injury can tell you more about your right to a jury trial.
Is a Trial Always Necessary?
The vast majority of Mankato car wreck cases are resolved without the need for a trial. Although settlements are common, it is important to remember that not every offer made by an insurance company is worth taking. If you retain our law firm, our attorneys can evaluate the strength of any settlement offer you receive.
Though many injury victims never need to testify at trial, it may become necessary for you to do so. If the defendant refuses to accept liability or the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, going to trial may be your only way to secure a fair monetary award.
Call Our Mankato Law Firm About Your Car Crash Trial
It may not be necessary for every person injured in a car accident to take their case to trial, but some will. Litigation is especially common if the opposing parties disagree about who was at fault for the crash.
If you intend to seek compensation for injuries you suffered in an auto collision, going to trial may be your best chance to secure an award. Our compassionate attorneys have experience in handling car accident trials in Mankato and are not afraid to fight for a fair outcome.
If you need legal counsel, Maschka Personal Injury is here to help. Call us today to discuss your legal options.
