The majority of car accident cases are settled amicably. The insurance company and a plaintiff usually come to an agreement, a settlement offer is accepted, and both parties move on. However, there are occasions – though rare – that a case will go to trial because both sides cannot agree about compensation or another issue related to the accident. When this occurs, a few steps are taken beforehand.

We will go over the process when a car accident case goes to trial, but there's always exceptions and how a case plays out depends on the specific circumstances surrounding it. Before going any further, we want to make it clear that speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer in Connecticut is very important. He or she can answer your questions and give you further insight into this topic, but also discuss your case.

Call us at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. We offer free consultations with no obligation to retain our services.

What Are The Steps When A Car Accident Case Goes to Trial in CT?

As we said, car accident claims can run into situations where one side disputes the other's claims. This could be centered around who is at fault or the severity of the defendant's injuries.

Below are what you may anticipate when a case goes to court:

Each Party Will Choose Jurors

The judge determines the case in favor of one party or the other in a bench trial, which may be an option. However, because juries are present in most trials, choosing the individuals to sit on the jury is the first task.

Six jurors generally make a decision in a civil trial involving a car accident. Up to eight jurors, including two backups, may be chosen by both parties.

Both Sides Present Their Case & Cross-Examine Witnesses

In a trial over damages in a car accident, the individual who brought the case is known as the plaintiff. The attorney representing he or she will present proof in the form of records and/or witness testimony, which will support their claim that is in dispute.

Witnesses will give testimony about what transpired in the accident, for example, if there is a dispute about who was at fault. The plaintiff may also provide other evidence, such as images obtained at the scene, police reports or medical records.

After the plaintiff's attorney has completed their line of questioning, the defendant's attorney has the opportunity to cross-examine any witnesses and provide context to their testimony to help the defense. If successful, the testimony is rendered less damning by the questioning.

The defendant has a chance to present their case after the plaintiff is done. This is when they attempt to demonstrate that they weren't not at fault with their own witnesses and evidence. Just as the defendant had the opportunity to cross-examine, so does the plaintiff.

The Jury Gives Their Verdict

When all the evidence is in, the judge instructs the jury to adjourn for deliberation. Behind closed doors, the jury will discuss the factual issues in dispute, such as liability, and make a decision in favor of the plaintiff or defendant.

The jury is also given the authority to decide how much the defendant must compensate the plaintiff if they deemed at fault and liable for damages

A Settlement Can Still Be Reached

The two sides are capable of coming to an agreement and settling, even if they are in the midst of a trial. This is even true if a verdict is given.

If you have an experienced lawyer, they will constantly maintain lines of communication, in order to resolve the case in their client's favor.

Let Us Help If You've Been in a Connecticut Car Accident

Determining if you have a legitimate car accident claim or seeking the right amount of compensation can be difficult. You never should go about a legal case alone, whether it's a car accident or personal injury matter. Speaking to a Connecticut car accident lawyer can save you a lot of time and worry. We've helped countless individuals like you in the past. The foundations of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law are client happiness and success. 

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

We represent clients across the tri-state, from New York to Connecticut and the surrounding states. Let us help you turn this stressful situation into something positive.