If you’re going to be appearing in court for a personal injury case, you’ll want to be as prepared as possible. Your lawyer will have a wealth of good information to give you, but there are a few things to know that it can never hurt to go over on your own. Here are five examples of knowledge you should have before beginning your case.
Ask Any and All Questions You Have
It can be intimidating to be involved in legal matters. It would be natural to have a question and feel like you shouldn’t ask it out of fear, embarrassment, or some other emotion. Nevertheless, you should verbalize all concerns you have. Doing so can help avoid problems later down the line. Any respected law expert, like the lawyers at Henley & Henley, PC, will understand the severity of your concerns, and will treat you accordingly.
Gather All Needed Documentation
No matter what kind of case you’re going to be a part of, having as many relevant documents as possible will be an important part of keeping the entire situation clear. Documents are a key part of evidence, without which a strong case can’t be built. Whether you’re a plaintiff or a defendant, you’ll want an airtight case.
Practice Giving Testimony
Being genuine while giving testimony is always advised, but you don’t want to impede the process by being excessively nervous and struggling with your answers. You can practice giving testimony with your lawyers to better prepare for court. Doing this will help you familiarize yourself with some of the questions you’ll hear, as well as the best way to phrase your answers.
You Might Have to Wait
The wheels of justice turn slowly. It can be months or even over a year between when a case is first filed and when it is heard. During this time, the negotiations and legal motions required to move your case forward are being conducted. Keep your patience and know that when it’s your time to testify, it will be yours and no one else’s.
Dress Nicely
The judge and the jury are watching. Even if you aren’t usually a snappy dresser, dressing nicely sends the image that you care about the outcome of this case. In a tightly-contested case, small things like attire can help juries make snap decisions about things they’ll never get to investigate later, like your personality.
When something eventually goes wrong or suffers a setback, understand that this is a natural part of the system. As long as you follow these instructions and communicate with your legal advisor, you’ll have the best chance of succeeding in court.
This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write for business, finance, and family issues. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. You can find Dixie on Facebook.
