What Happens at a Personal Injury Trial?

Jed Dietrich, Esq., Recognized as a New York Super Lawyer, and His Team of Aggressive, Tenacious, and Hardworking Attorneys at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., Distinguished as an American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 10 Best Personal Injury Law Firm, Fight to Obtain Unrivaled Trial Verdicts for Victims Severely Injured in Accidents Throughout Western New York.

Being seriously injured in a mishap, such as a supermarket accident or car crash, can be an alarming and heartbreaking ordeal. Severe accidents often leave victims with extensive and problematic roads to recovery. Some victims continue to endure agonizing pain, considerable financial burdens, and anxiety over obtaining compensation for their injuries long after their accidents. Fortunately, victims who suffer injuries due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness may be entitled to pursue monetary compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Although the process can seem complicated, at first, personal injury claims were designed to safeguard the rights, wellbeing, and financial futures of victims.

If you, or a loved one, were injured in an accident caused by another’s negligence, it is critical to thoroughly consider all of your legal options. Unfortunately, your injuries could have a devastating impact on both your health and livelihood. Jed Dietrich, Esq. firmly believes that accident victims should never be forced to struggle to pay costly medical bills, especially while being unable to work. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party may be one of the most important things you do. Our highly experienced attorneys will fight to obtain the highest possible compensation to help you start rebuilding your life.

Distinct from other law firms, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. prepares all cases with the same level of dedication, discipline, and determination. Over 90 percent of personal injury cases are settled outside of court. Nevertheless, our veteran attorneys will never pressure you into accepting a lower settlement offer than you deserve just to avoid going to court. Every case we handle is ready to go to trial whenever necessary. If we are unable to settle a claim for an amount that will allow you to move on, we will not hesitate to bring the case to trial. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. team possesses the knowledge and expertise necessary to ensure that you are in a position to obtain the highest possible recovery for your damages. Jed Dietrich, Esq. has battled to obtain over $175 Million in verdicts and settlements for victims who were injured in Buffalo, New York, throughout New York State, and beyond. Our honorable commitment to surpassing your expectations and delivering an exceptional outcome is what sets us apart from the competition. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. offers complimentary lawsuit evaluations and consultations. We will treat you with respect and compassion and help you get through this difficult time. Our seasoned team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (716) 839-3939, or by filling out the online consultation form.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s elite trial attorneys are well aware that the thought of going to court may seem daunting. However, it does not have to be with proper preparation. Adequate preparation has various benefits beyond just winning your case. It can help soothe your nerves and provide a sense of control in the courtroom. Some measures and actions that will help you prepare for trial include the following:

1. Be honest with your lawyer about anything that could weaken your case, such as prior accident claims or pre-existing injuries;
2. Give your attorney any evidence you have that will support your case, like photographs and videos;
3. Be sure to thoroughly understand the questions that you may be asked during the trial;
4. Review all of your paperwork, such as depositions and relevant personal information;
5. Be polite, act professional, and never allow defense attorneys to frustrate you;
6. When the defense is cross-examining you, respond truthfully and accurately;
7. Never interrupt the judge;
8. Always try to use positive body language;
9. Keep in mind that you are being carefully watched; and
10. . Always remember that trials can be somewhat unpredictable at times.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. has tried more than 100 cases to verdict in his over 20 years of representing victims of serious personal injuries. When you retain a highly experienced lawyer, like the ones at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., your lawyer will properly guide you through every aspect of the process and ensure that you are adequately prepared to testify at trial. Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. today at (716) 839-3939.

It is important to remember that the plaintiff carries the burden of proof in a personal injury trial. Properly preserving evidence is crucial for successfully proving your case. That is why the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s best of the best start gathering evidence as soon as we take your case. Some types of evidence that can help build a strong case at trial include:

1. Police or accident reports;
2. Witness statements;
3. Medical records, such as hospital bills, emergency room minutes, operative and diagnostic reports, any treating doctor’s recommendations, and specialists, physical therapists, or psychologist’s records;
4. Photographs showing the accident scene, your injuries, and property damage;
5. Videos or surveillance footage of the accident;
6. Proof of lost wages, such as Form W-2s, previous tax statements, and doctor’s recommendations not to work;
7. A daily pain journal; and
8. Communication records and details regarding conversations with the insurance company or anyone else about your claim.

At a minimum, the evidence presented should demonstrate that you were involved in an accident, the defendant’s negligence or carelessness caused the accident, you suffered an injury and the extent of damages.

If a settlement cannot be reached by the trial date, your case will go to court. While no two cases are the same, every lawsuit filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York follows the same procedures as it progresses from commencement to resolution. During the trial, your lawyer and the defense will present evidence, such as photos, video footage, documents, illustrations, and computer recreations showing how the accident happened. Also, witnesses will provide both direct testimonies and cross-examinations. Witnesses may include you, the defendant, responding police officers, expert witnesses, accident reconstruction scientists, eyewitnesses to the accident, family or friends, and treating doctors.

After all of the evidence is presented, attorneys will give their closing arguments. Then, the jury will deliberate and render its verdict. Personal injury trials generally last anywhere from 3-10 days. Trials can be somewhat arbitrary because compensation is awarded by the jury. Generally, trials are split into 2 parts. The 1 ^st part of the trial is to determine liability. If the defendant is found liable, the 2 ^nd part of the trial consists of determining how much damages the plaintiff should recover. Then, the court will enter its judgment. Either party is allowed to file an appeal or post-trial motion. Appeals are heard at the Appellate Division, the next highest court, and further appeals would go to New York’s highest court, the Court of Appeals. The judgment in your case is considered final once all post-trial matters and appeals are concluded. If you were awarded compensation, your attorney would collect the judgment and disburse it.

Although the outcome of any trial is unpredictable, you can significantly strengthen your chances for success by choosing a skilled trial lawyer who is capable of presenting evidence in your favor. For more information regarding personal injury trials, please feel free to contact us today. If you, or a loved one, have suffered injuries or worse in an accident, you want the best personal injury attorney in Western New York to pursue your claim and hold those responsible accountable. Jed Dietrich, Esq., recognized as an American Institute of Trial Lawyers Litigator of the Year, has exclusively handled serious personal injury cases since 1999. Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his seasoned team of trial lawyers will zealously battle to obtain the best result for those injured in accidents. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C., recognized as a Best Law Firm of America, offers complimentary case evaluations and consultations. Jed Dietrich, Esq. would be honored to speak with you regarding your claim. We are available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week, and there is never a fee unless we WIN for you! Call our elite law firm today at (716) 839-3939.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!