Going to trial after a car accident can be scary. You are likely already juggling medical appointments, lost income, and calls from insurance companies. Facing a courtroom in addition to that can feel overwhelming.
Trials can be complicated and often involve strict procedures, rules of evidence, and detailed preparation. If your case is headed to trial, having an experienced car accident lawyer can make the process less stressful. Fortunately, skilled attorneys can handle the legal work for car accident trials in Woodland Hills while you focus on your recovery.
Contact Valero Law Group for guidance from a legal team that will stand by your side through every step.
Understanding the Car Accident Trial Process
Most vehicle accident claims in Woodland Hills settle before reaching a courtroom trial. When the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, however, a trial may be the only way to pursue compensation.
A car accident trial usually unfolds in the following stages:
- Filing the lawsuit: The plaintiff’s attorney files a complaint in court, formally beginning the case
- Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and gather witness statements
- Pre-trial motions: Lawyers may request that the court admit or exclude specific evidence
- Trial: A judge or jury reviews evidence, hears witnesses’ testimony, and each side makes arguments before a verdict is issued
If a verdict is reached in favor of the injured party, the court will determine the appropriate amount of compensation.
Important Laws to Consider
State law requires the injured person to prove that the defendant was negligent. California Civil Code § 1714 establishes that drivers must operate their vehicles with due care. When a driver breaches this duty—by speeding, ignoring signals, or failing to yield—they can be held liable for resulting injuries.
The state also follows pure comparative negligence, codified in Cal. Civ. Code § 1431.2, which allows the injured party to recover damages even if they share some fault. The Supreme Court confirmed this principle in 1975, establishing that the percentage of fault reduces an injured party’s damages but does not eliminate them.
How Can Evidence Determine a Trial’s Outcome?
Winning a Woodland Hills vehicle collision trial depends on the presentation of strong, clear evidence. Jurors need to see and understand what happened and how the crash affected the injured party’s life. A car crash lawyer can gather and present evidence such as:
- Photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Medical records and imaging that document injuries
- Police reports and traffic citations
- Witness statements from bystanders or passengers
- Surveillance or dashcam video footage
- Phone or GPS data
- Event data recorder (black box) downloads
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction professionals
Attorneys often send preservation letters to businesses or agencies to prevent the deletion of critical evidence, such as security footage. This attention to detail can strengthen the case and challenge an insurance company or third party’s attempts to shift blame. Every piece of evidence matters when a case goes to trial. Contacting a lawyer well-versed in investigation and evidence preparation can mean the difference between winning and losing in court.
Why Legal Representation Is Essential at Trial
Self-representation in a car collision trial in Woodland Hills is risky. Court rules, evidence procedures, and jury presentation strategies can be challenging to navigate without experience. Insurance companies have legal teams dedicated to minimizing payouts.
The attorneys at Valero Law Group prepare cases from start to finish, including questioning witnesses, presenting evidence, and telling the story persuasively in court. The team travels to meet clients, is always available to address urgent questions, and only gets paid if the case is successful.
Having an experienced trial lawyer ensures a precise and professional presentation of the case, providing the best chance of a fair outcome and compensation for injuries sustained in a car accident.
Contact a Woodland Hills Attorney About Handling a Car Accident Trial
If your case is moving toward trial, quick action can make a real difference. An experienced vehicle crash lawyer from Valero Law Group can gather and preserve evidence, handle courtroom strategy, and protect your rights at every stage of the trial process.
Call today to speak with an attorney regarding car accident trials in Woodland Hills. They can guide you through trial preparation, help you focus on recovery, and pursue the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs and losses.
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