How to Make a Good Impression During Trial

Filing a civil lawsuit is a long process with several steps involved. The first step is to contact an accident injury lawyer in Miami for proper representation. When you hire a representative, this puts the wheels in motion and gets you one step closer to the justice and financial compensation you deserve. After hiring representation, you must file a complaint, which will come later in the process. If you have filed a complaint, informing the defendant that you will file a lawsuit against them, the matter will be settled outside of court, or it will go to trial.

If the case must be settled with a trial and not outside of the courtroom, you must rely on your lawyer to explain your argument clearly and effectively to the judge  (or jury). If you have contacted the team at A to Z Injury Law for your personal injury claim, you will be in good hands. Our lawyers are experts in all areas of personal injury, from negligent driving to nursing home abuse. Count on us to present the facts and prove the plaintiff is liable for damages. This is the moment when all of our planning and preparation come to fruition.

While a significant amount of the responsibility rests on the shoulders of your lawyer, there are some things you can do to make a good impression during the trial. In this article, we will explain what that entails.  

Meet all Deadlines

Once you have filed a lawsuit, there are several deadlines you must meet, such as choosing a jury trial vs a judge, to attending your court hearing on time. We will help you prepare before your trial date, but you can also review the local rules on the court’s website, which details what is expected of you before your trial. Consider this highly useful information and take notes. If there is anything that does not make sense, someone from our team will explain it in a way that everyone will understand. Remember, if you do not meet all the deadlines, you risk your case being thrown out of court.

You will also be expected to attend your preliminary hearing, as this will determine the strength of your case. If you are late to your hearing, the judge may decide to rule against you. Therefore, it is always recommended to arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled time.

Do Your Homework

In addition to reviewing local rules on the court’s website, you should use the internet as a resource for courtroom preparation. It never hurts to know some of the legal terminologies and watch videos of similar trials to see how the plaintiff should behave. Furthermore, every judge has their own idea of courtroom decorum, so it may be in your best interest to ask the court clerk what the judge presiding over your case will expect to see from you.

Learn All Details About Your Case

Every claim you make should be backed by facts, or in other words, admissible evidence. Prior to trial, you will work with your attorneys to gather all the necessary evidence to build your case. This may include CCTV footage at an accident scene, eyewitness testimony, expert eyewitness testimony, and documents, such as medical records. Although we will present the facts to the judge, it is still important that you know every detail of the case.

Be Respectful

It is not unusual to get emotional over what is being said about you during the trial, but you should not react to negative statements being made. While you watch the trial unfold, stay calm and do not appear petty. Being patient is also a skill you must master. You will have your opportunity to speak, but when someone else is speaking, it is extremely rude to interrupt them. When you finally have the floor, make sure to address the judge as “your honor” and not “sir,” “ma’am,” or any other honorific address. Showing respect for the courtroom procedures may be expected, but it can still go a long way in your favor.

Dress Appropriately

If you want the judge to see you as an upstanding citizen, you should look the part. Do not wear casual attire. Instead, wear a professional outfit that you would wear on a job interview, where first impressions matter.

Contact A to Z Injury Law

Our team has helped hundreds of clients win their personal injury claims. We are ready to assist you. For an accident injury lawyer in Miami that you can trust, contact A to Z Injury Law. Call (305) 853-9656 for a free case review.