Being in a car accident is a jarring experience. It can lead to personal injuries, mental and emotional stress and major expenses such as repairs and medical bills.
In Texas, a driver is responsible for an accident if their negligence or actions contributed to the accident. If they’re found to be at fault, they’re liable for the losses, damages and expenses related to injuries caused by the accident.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Texas, your lawyer will make every effort to settle your case out of court. However, sometimes disputes can’t be resolved, which can lead to a trial.
Why Would a Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most of the time, car accident cases settle out of court. However, in order to get fairly paid for the damages you’ve suffered, there are some situations that may require going to trial:
- Liability dispute : The case can go to trial if parties can’t agree on who was at fault for the accident.
- Lack of settlement agreement : They can bring their case to court if they cannot agree on a settlement.
- Refusal to pay by the insurance company : If an insurance company refuses to pay a claim, going to court may be necessary to recover damages from the accident.
- Dispute about damages : Car accidents can also result in personal injuries in addition to damages to your vehicle. If parties are disagreeing about the extent of their injuries and the amount of compensation they’re seeking, they might bring the case to trial.
What to Expect From Going to Court in Texas
If you go to trial, your attorney will work to prove the details of your claim so you can get the compensation you deserve. It’s important to keep in mind that going to trial can be a lengthy process that includes multiple steps:
- Filing a lawsuit : Your lawyer may file a lawsuit in court if a settlement can’t be reached.
- Performing discovery and depositions : Before a trial, both parties will exchange evidence and information, such as witness statements and documents. Your lawyer will then evaluate this evidence. To gather more evidence and prepare for trial, each party can also conduct depositions, which are interviews under oath with witnesses and other relevant parties.
- Filing motions : Each party can also file motions to request a ruling on a specific issue, such as asking that certain evidence be excluded.
- Jury selection : Citizens will be questioned to determine whether they’re qualified to be jurors. Your attorney will be involved in this questioning.
- The trial : During the trial, evidence will be presented and testimonies will be given. The jury will then determine the verdict.
You Need an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s critical to know your options for pursuing legal action. An experienced attorney will learn about your unique situation, guide you through the process and ensure you’re taking the right steps for your case.
At the Fell Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys are here to help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Request a free consultation today by calling 972-450-1418 or send us a message.