Follow these tips for a personal injury court case. Be thoroughly prepared and know what to expect if your case goes to court. Your attorney can help you prepare.
Remember these five tips to prepare for a personal injury court case. Learning how the procedures will be handled and going over your testimony can be enormously helpful for plaintiffs who are unsure of what to expect.
Help for Plaintiffs: Preparing for an Injury Court Case
Court cases can be brief, but normally, jury trials for civil cases last an average of four days, and bench trials an average of two, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Make sure you know what to expect and try following these five tips for personal injury court cases:
• Compile Documents – The more evidence your case comprises, the better you’ll be able to demonstrate your situation to the courts. Beginning from the time of the injury, collect all pertinent documents regarding your case and share the information with your attorney.
• Courtroom Procedures – It’s prudent to familiarize yourself with trial procedures. You even may wish to go over the general courtroom layout with your attorney before your case goes to court so you know what to expect. You may be able to visit the courtroom before the trial to prepare.
• Testimony Practice – To be fully prepared, work with your attorney to go over sample questions and answers and to practice your testimony. This may help alleviate a lot of nervousness on the day of court.
• Clothing Considerations – Dress nicely, but your attorney may advise certain types or styles of clothing in some cases. Speak with your attorney about what types of clothing might be most appropriate.
• Ask Questions – Uncertainty breeds anxiety. If you have questions regarding your injury case or how matters will be handled in court, ask your attorney to reduce or eliminate any uncertainty you may have. (Insert link to 3 Fundamental Elements of Personal Injury Claims)
Legal Representation and Help for Plaintiffs
There are a lot of little details about courtroom procedure and personal injury cases in general, and the whole process can seem overwhelming for victims, especially when already preoccupied and dealing with injuries.
Bressman Law can work with you, help resolve your unanswered questions, and discuss how best to handle your case. Contact us today at (614) 538-1116 to begin discussing your personal injury court case.
Showing posts with label personal injury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal injury. Show all posts
Friday, February 8, 2013
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
What to do after an auto accident?
Auto Accidents are unexpected and stressful. Even the most careful drivers may be involved.
Prepare the trunk of your car for a possible accident as well by making sure you have a set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares. Make sure you also have:
•A pen
•A card with relevant medical information for you and your family.
What to do after an auto accident:
1.Stay as calm as possible.
2.Check for injuries. Life and health are more important than damage to vehicles. When in doubt, call an ambulance.
3.If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move cars to a safe place, rather than risk being in moving traffic.
4.Turn on hazard lights. If warranted, and possible, use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety.
5.Call the police, even if the accident is minor.
6.Notify your insurance agent about the accident immediately.
7.Don't sign any document unless it is for the police or your insurance agent
8.Make immediate notes about the accident including the specific damages to all vehicles involved. Use the form below as a guide. If the name on the auto registration and/or insurance policy is different from the name of the driver, establish the relationship and jot it down. Get witness information, if possible, as well.
9.Be polite, but don't tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was. Likewise, do not accuse the other drivers of being at fault at this time. Everyone is usually shaken up immediately after an accident, and it is wise to state only the facts. Limit your discussion of the accident to the insurance agent and the police. Even if the facts are embarrassing or detrimental to you, be truthful.
10.If you have a camera handy, and it is safe to do so, it may be helpful to photograph the accident scene.
11.If possible, do not leave the accident scene before the police officers and other drivers do.
12.Finally, remember that while getting the facts is very important, investigating the accident should be left to the police officers and the insurance companies.
Prepare the trunk of your car for a possible accident as well by making sure you have a set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares. Make sure you also have:
•A pen
•A card with relevant medical information for you and your family.
What to do after an auto accident:
1.Stay as calm as possible.
2.Check for injuries. Life and health are more important than damage to vehicles. When in doubt, call an ambulance.
3.If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move cars to a safe place, rather than risk being in moving traffic.
4.Turn on hazard lights. If warranted, and possible, use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety.
5.Call the police, even if the accident is minor.
6.Notify your insurance agent about the accident immediately.
7.Don't sign any document unless it is for the police or your insurance agent
8.Make immediate notes about the accident including the specific damages to all vehicles involved. Use the form below as a guide. If the name on the auto registration and/or insurance policy is different from the name of the driver, establish the relationship and jot it down. Get witness information, if possible, as well.
9.Be polite, but don't tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was. Likewise, do not accuse the other drivers of being at fault at this time. Everyone is usually shaken up immediately after an accident, and it is wise to state only the facts. Limit your discussion of the accident to the insurance agent and the police. Even if the facts are embarrassing or detrimental to you, be truthful.
10.If you have a camera handy, and it is safe to do so, it may be helpful to photograph the accident scene.
11.If possible, do not leave the accident scene before the police officers and other drivers do.
12.Finally, remember that while getting the facts is very important, investigating the accident should be left to the police officers and the insurance companies.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
20% of All Car Accidents Occur in Parking Lots
One of every five auto accidents occurs in a parking lot, according to the Independent Insurance Agents Association. That total does not include all of the small nicks and dents that usually go unreported.
Parking lot crashes often occur at low speeds, but they still can lead to expensive repairs and higher insurance premiums. Worse, sometimes pedestrians and drivers are injured.
To minimize your parking lot risks….
Park away from busy areas. Most drivers crowd into spaces closest to the store entrances, leaving other sections of parking lots virtually empty. Your vehicle is much less likely to be bumped or dinged – and you will have better visibility when you pull out.
Look where you are going. Distracted driving is responsible for many parking lot accidents. We think we see an empty spot in the next row and this momentary distraction is all it takes.
Completely clear fogged or snow covered windows and windshields. There is a tendency to rush out of parking lots, but driving with partially blocked windows greatly increases the odds of having a collision.
Do not trust your mirrors. Rearview mirrors do not provide a full picture of what’s happening behind your car. Today’s high tech back up systems do not detect everything either. You need to move your head to see everything going on before backing up.
Look for two empty parking spaces, one behind the other, and pull through to the one in front so that you do not have to back up when it is time to pull out.
Avoid danger zones. Skip spots next to big vans or SUVs if you are in a small vehicle – you will have a hard time seeing past these vehicles when it is time to pull out.
Turn on your headlights, even in daylight. Headlights warn pedestrians and other drivers that your vehicle will soon pull out.
These are just a few tips to improve your odds during your next visit to the parking lot!
Parking lot crashes often occur at low speeds, but they still can lead to expensive repairs and higher insurance premiums. Worse, sometimes pedestrians and drivers are injured.
To minimize your parking lot risks….
Park away from busy areas. Most drivers crowd into spaces closest to the store entrances, leaving other sections of parking lots virtually empty. Your vehicle is much less likely to be bumped or dinged – and you will have better visibility when you pull out.
Look where you are going. Distracted driving is responsible for many parking lot accidents. We think we see an empty spot in the next row and this momentary distraction is all it takes.
Completely clear fogged or snow covered windows and windshields. There is a tendency to rush out of parking lots, but driving with partially blocked windows greatly increases the odds of having a collision.
Do not trust your mirrors. Rearview mirrors do not provide a full picture of what’s happening behind your car. Today’s high tech back up systems do not detect everything either. You need to move your head to see everything going on before backing up.
Look for two empty parking spaces, one behind the other, and pull through to the one in front so that you do not have to back up when it is time to pull out.
Avoid danger zones. Skip spots next to big vans or SUVs if you are in a small vehicle – you will have a hard time seeing past these vehicles when it is time to pull out.
Turn on your headlights, even in daylight. Headlights warn pedestrians and other drivers that your vehicle will soon pull out.
These are just a few tips to improve your odds during your next visit to the parking lot!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Ways to Avoid A Car Wreck #12
#12: Know What Is At Your Side
Scanning your surroundings (keeping your eyes moving) includes keeping a safe distance around your vehicle. When another driver makes a mistake, you need time to react. Give yourself this time by keeping a “space cushion” on all sides of your vehicle. This space cushion will give you room to brake or maneuver if you need it.
Keep an eye on the drivers to your sides, not just their cars. If a driver just ahead of you in the next lane keeps glancing in your direction, he might soon merge in front of you. Give this driver room, or at least stay out of his blind spot. If a driver next to you appears to be speaking on a cell phone adjust your speed to distance yourself from that vehicle.
If you only look at the middle of the road, you will miss what is happening on the side of the road and behind you. Scanning helps you to see:
* Cars and people that may be in the road by the time you reach them.
* Signs warning of problems ahead.
* Signs giving you directions.
Any time you come to a place where people may cross or enter your path or one line of traffic meets another, you should look to the left and right sides of your vehicle to make sure no one is coming. Always look to each side at intersections, crosswalks, and railroad crossings.
To maintain a space cushion on each side of your vehicle:
1. Don’t stay in another driver’s blind spot. The other driver may not see your car and could change lanes and hit you.
2. Avoid driving alongside other vehicles on multilane streets with or without traffic in the opposite direction. Another driver may crowd your lane or change lanes without looking and crash into you. Drive either ahead of or behind the other vehicle.
3. If possible, make room for vehicles entering freeways even though you have the right-of-way.
4. At freeway exits, don’t drive alongside other cars. A driver may decide to exit suddenly or swerve back on.
5. Keep a space between yourself and parked cars. Someone may step out from between them. A car door may open or a car may pull out suddenly.
6. Be careful when riding near bicyclists. Always leave plenty of room between your vehicle and any bicyclist.
Scanning your surroundings (keeping your eyes moving) includes keeping a safe distance around your vehicle. When another driver makes a mistake, you need time to react. Give yourself this time by keeping a “space cushion” on all sides of your vehicle. This space cushion will give you room to brake or maneuver if you need it.
Keep an eye on the drivers to your sides, not just their cars. If a driver just ahead of you in the next lane keeps glancing in your direction, he might soon merge in front of you. Give this driver room, or at least stay out of his blind spot. If a driver next to you appears to be speaking on a cell phone adjust your speed to distance yourself from that vehicle.
If you only look at the middle of the road, you will miss what is happening on the side of the road and behind you. Scanning helps you to see:
* Cars and people that may be in the road by the time you reach them.
* Signs warning of problems ahead.
* Signs giving you directions.
Any time you come to a place where people may cross or enter your path or one line of traffic meets another, you should look to the left and right sides of your vehicle to make sure no one is coming. Always look to each side at intersections, crosswalks, and railroad crossings.
To maintain a space cushion on each side of your vehicle:
1. Don’t stay in another driver’s blind spot. The other driver may not see your car and could change lanes and hit you.
2. Avoid driving alongside other vehicles on multilane streets with or without traffic in the opposite direction. Another driver may crowd your lane or change lanes without looking and crash into you. Drive either ahead of or behind the other vehicle.
3. If possible, make room for vehicles entering freeways even though you have the right-of-way.
4. At freeway exits, don’t drive alongside other cars. A driver may decide to exit suddenly or swerve back on.
5. Keep a space between yourself and parked cars. Someone may step out from between them. A car door may open or a car may pull out suddenly.
6. Be careful when riding near bicyclists. Always leave plenty of room between your vehicle and any bicyclist.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Ways to Avoid A Car Wreck #11
#11: Don't step on the brake when driving over a pothole.
Winter in Ohio is upon us and with this comes the inevitable potholes. Often, the natural reaction is to stomp on the brakes as you go over the pothole. The suggestion below is that this is probably not the right way to deal with a pothole.
Reason: Hitting the brake as the car goes over a pothole shifts the car's weight forward onto the front wheels. This increases the impact force and can damage the car's suspension and brakes. This can also alter wheel alignment.
Better: Brake before the pothole to slow down the car, then release the brake as you go over pothole and, if necessary, brake right after the pothole.
Source: www.motorwatch.com
Winter in Ohio is upon us and with this comes the inevitable potholes. Often, the natural reaction is to stomp on the brakes as you go over the pothole. The suggestion below is that this is probably not the right way to deal with a pothole.
Reason: Hitting the brake as the car goes over a pothole shifts the car's weight forward onto the front wheels. This increases the impact force and can damage the car's suspension and brakes. This can also alter wheel alignment.
Better: Brake before the pothole to slow down the car, then release the brake as you go over pothole and, if necessary, brake right after the pothole.
Source: www.motorwatch.com
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Ways to Avoid A Car Wreck # 9
Columbus, Ohio. According to personal injury attorney, David A. Bressman, nearly 40,000 people die each year in car wrecks. Further, of the nearly 6 million car wrecks yearly, almost 50% involve an injury. The best way to avoid injury is drive safely and prudently. This, of course, is obvious but too few "experts" give any meaning to driving safely and prudently. The following series is designed to give you some practical pointers on HOW to do this.
#9: Let aggressive drivers pass or find some way to get out of their way. If a driver behind you tailgates, flashes his headlights, gives you hand gestures or makes numerous lane changes, get out of his way as soon as possible. This aggressive driver is an imminent hazard and you don't want to be anywhere near him. If you're in the left lane, ease into the right lane as soon as you can safely do so to let him pass. If it's a two-lane highway. maintain your speed until you can safely pull off and let the aggressive driver pass.
Helpful: Certain types of vehicles offer hints that their owners might be more aggressive or careless on the road. These include cars that have extra-wide tires or loud mufflers ... numerous dents ... or are covered in dirt and grime. Try to give such vehicles a wide berth or at least your close attention.
Hint: With so many distractions while driving – radio, cellphone, texting, GPS...- it may be that the other driver is NOT aggressive, merely distracted. Sometimes spraying windshield fluid, which will carry back from your car to the car tailgating you, is a gentle reminder to that driver to wake up and pay attention.
#9: Let aggressive drivers pass or find some way to get out of their way. If a driver behind you tailgates, flashes his headlights, gives you hand gestures or makes numerous lane changes, get out of his way as soon as possible. This aggressive driver is an imminent hazard and you don't want to be anywhere near him. If you're in the left lane, ease into the right lane as soon as you can safely do so to let him pass. If it's a two-lane highway. maintain your speed until you can safely pull off and let the aggressive driver pass.
Helpful: Certain types of vehicles offer hints that their owners might be more aggressive or careless on the road. These include cars that have extra-wide tires or loud mufflers ... numerous dents ... or are covered in dirt and grime. Try to give such vehicles a wide berth or at least your close attention.
Hint: With so many distractions while driving – radio, cellphone, texting, GPS...- it may be that the other driver is NOT aggressive, merely distracted. Sometimes spraying windshield fluid, which will carry back from your car to the car tailgating you, is a gentle reminder to that driver to wake up and pay attention.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Ways to Avoid A Car Wreck # 7
Columbus, Ohio. According to personal injury attorney, David A. Bressman, nearly 40,000 people die each year in car wrecks. Further, of the nearly 6 million car wrecks yearly, almost 50% involve an injury. The best way to avoid injury is drive safely and prudently. This, of course, is obvious but too few "experts" give any meaning to driving safely and prudently. The following series is designed to give you some practical pointers on HOW to do this.
#7: Drive with one hand between 8 o'clock and 9 o'clock and the other between 3 o'clock and 4 o'clock on the wheel. The traditional 10 and 2 o'clock positions can cause arm fatigue, especially on long drives, leading to less-than-optimal driver reaction time in emergencies. The traditional position also increases the odds that one of your arms will hit you in the face if your air bag deploys causing lost teeth or a broken jaw.
#7: Drive with one hand between 8 o'clock and 9 o'clock and the other between 3 o'clock and 4 o'clock on the wheel. The traditional 10 and 2 o'clock positions can cause arm fatigue, especially on long drives, leading to less-than-optimal driver reaction time in emergencies. The traditional position also increases the odds that one of your arms will hit you in the face if your air bag deploys causing lost teeth or a broken jaw.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Ways to Avoid A Car Wreck # 6
Columbus, Ohio. According to personal injury attorney, David A. Bressman, nearly 40,000 people die each year in car wrecks. Further, of the nearly 6 million car wrecks yearly, almost 50% involve an injury. The best way to avoid injury is drive safely and prudently. This, of course, is obvious but too few "experts" give any meaning to driving safely and prudently. The following series is designed to give you some practical pointers on HOW to do this.
#6: Use your brake lights to be more visible to those behind you. If there is a vehicle behind you when you need to slow down, tap your brake pedal very slightly a few seconds before braking, assuming there is time to do so safely. When stopped in traffic or at a light, tap your brake a few times as another vehicle approaches from behind. This is particularly helpful if the drivers behind you are looking into the sun.
#6: Use your brake lights to be more visible to those behind you. If there is a vehicle behind you when you need to slow down, tap your brake pedal very slightly a few seconds before braking, assuming there is time to do so safely. When stopped in traffic or at a light, tap your brake a few times as another vehicle approaches from behind. This is particularly helpful if the drivers behind you are looking into the sun.
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