What Happens When Your Personal Injury Case Goes to Court

If you have been injured in an accident and it was the fault of another party, you may want to consider filing a personal injury claim in Oklahoma. Doing so will give you the opportunity to potentially receive compensation for your property damage, medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. However, as most personal injury claims resulting from accidents are thoroughly investigated and disputed by insurance companies, there is a high likelihood that you will need to defend your right to compensation in court. In the event that happens to your own case proceeds to trial, a personal injury attorney can help you through each step of the process.

Stages of a Personal Injury Case 

Jury Selection

In various personal injury cases, a jury of twelve people or less is selected to listen to the facts of the case; members of the jury are selected during the first stage of a trial. Potential candidates are chosen and asked numerous questions in order for the judge to learn more about them, and where they stand in terms of this kind of case. This, in turn, enables them to determine if those individuals would be good picks to serve on the jury or if they may possess certain biases that may prevent impartiality.

In cases where a jury is not selected, lawyers instead defend their arguments directly to the judge who has final say in the case.

Opening Statements 

After the jury is selected, both the prosecution and the defense present their opening statements. Typically, the plaintiff or the alleged victim’s lawyer initiates because they have the burden of proof in the case. During this time, your lawyer will clearly and succinctly explain exactly why you deserve to be compensated for your injuries and the damages you suffered. 

Defend Your Case

Following the opening statements, the next step is the injury attorney displaying the plaintiff’s case. The attorney summons witnesses who can testify to back up the evidence that is provided. Some of these are literal witnesses to the accident itself, but their doctor may also be present to testify about any injuries the plaintiff has suffered, any medical treatment they may require, and their prognosis for complete recovery.

After the plaintiff’s attorney has presented all important evidence, the defense has the opportunity to present their own. The same formula is implemented, with witnesses who support the defendant’s side being called to testify. Both parties also get the chance to cross-examine witnesses; this means that the prosecutor has the right to ask the defense’s witnesses their own questions, and vice versa.

Closing Arguments 

After both parties have presented their evidence, they give closing arguments. This gives both the prosecution and defense the opportunity to try to persuade the jury to decide in their favor based on the evidence.

Decision

Finally, after the closing arguments, the jury deliberates in a different room so that they can come to a conclusion. The majority of cases of this nature see the jury reach a verdict in just a few hours, but it can take several days. After a verdict is reached, the jury informs the judge. The jury then returns to the courtroom and the final decision is announced to both parties.

Car Accident Injury Attorney

The success or failure of your case depends not only on the jury and judge but on the strength and experience of your personal injury attorney. After suffering the injuries and pain of a car crash, you shouldn’t be forced to defend your side alone.

If you have suffered a personal injury and want to begin a personal injury claim, the lawyers at the Putnam Law Office want to stand at your side. Contact us at (405)-849-9149 to learn how we can help you.