Anne Arundel Car Accident Trial Process

Following a car accident, people often pursue litigation so they can hold the at-fault driver accountable and recover damages for their injuries. However, car accident cases can be difficult to navigate alone. A capable car accident attorney could help you navigate the Anne Arundel car accident trial process. Call today and know that you are in good hands.

Elements Of Negligence in Car Accident Cases

In the Anne Arundel car accident trial process, the accident victim and their attorney must focus on proving the elements of negligence. As the plaintiff’s attorney, the litigator has to prove that the defendant was negligent, that they had a duty to conduct themselves as a reasonable and prudent person, and they breached that duty which caused an injury or some type of damage. Those are the elements that should be focused on: duty, breach, causation, and damages.

Bench or Jury Trials

The way that the Anne Arundel car accident trial process moves forward depends on whether the case is tried in front of a judge or in front of a jury. They can be bench trials too, but either party has a right to request a jury trial.

Any case that is filed for $10,000 or less can never be in front of a jury. If a person files in the district court above $10,000 but up to $30,000 and/or if the person files in the circuit court and requests a jury trial, either party can waive with the consent of the other and move forward in front of a judge.

Jury Trials

For a jury trial, a panel will be asked questions by the judge and attorneys pick a jury based on the questions that they have answered. Attorneys get five peremptory challenges. Ultimately there will be six people in the jury box with one or two alternates. Alternates are there in case a juror becomes ill or is unable to return to the service.

Specifics of the Trial Process

The trial starts with opening statements, then evidence. Evidence includes documentation, medical records, bills, and testimony of the injured party, witnesses, and doctors. This is to prove that the injury was causally related to the accident.

Then, usually, there is cross-examination by the defense counsel and the plaintiff also has an opportunity to cross-examine any of the defense witnesses, usually, an expert that is saying the injuries are not causally related and/or the defendant who is arguing that they were not responsible for the accident. Then the judge will instruct the jury on the law and they will hear closing arguments. Finally, the jury goes back and deliberates.

Value of an Anne Arundel Car Collision Lawyer

If you were injured in a car accident, it is important to retain the services of a qualified car crash lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled attorney could examine the facts of your case and determine what evidence is needed to prove that the at-fault driver was negligent. A determined legal advocate could guide you through the Anne Arundel car accident trial process and fight for a positive outcome for you.