Do I Have to Go to Court as a Victim of a Drunk Driver?

Attending court as a victim of a drunk driver is sometimes necessary. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine if you have to go to Phoenix for your specific case. 

Our Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyers at Zanes Law explain whether you have to go to court as a victim of a drunk driver. We offer a free consultation where we can evaluate your case and help you with the next steps.

How do You Know If You Need to Appear in Civil Court?

Even if you have a personal injury case, civil court may be avoidable through settlement. Our Phoenix drunk driving accident attorneys will assess your claim and keep you updated on the proceedings. Some signs you may need to appear in court include:

• The opposing insurance company or party denies responsibility or disputes the claim amount.
• Settlement negotiations are stalled or have broken down completely.
• Key documents, evidence, or testimony are challenged and require a judge’s ruling.
• Depositions reveal inconsistencies or new information affecting liability or damages.
• Mediation efforts are unsuccessful in bringing all parties to an agreement.
• A summary judgment motion fails to resolve the case without trial.

We aim to settle each case without litigation whenever possible. However, if court seems inevitable, we will discuss the next steps, like pre-trial preparation, well in advance. 

The goal is to ensure you understand the process and are fully supported if appearance is necessary. Please check in regularly so we can keep you informed.

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

How does Going to Court Help Your DUI Accident Case?

While settlement is preferable to avoid the stresses of trial, going to a civil court provides several strategic advantages. It allows your case to be thoroughly presented before a judge and jury. This formal legal process helps establish clear liability for the at-fault driver and substantiates the full extent of your damages and losses.

In court, our Phoenix personal injury attorneys can directly question any witnesses who dispute liability or downplay the severity of your injuries through cross-examination. This strengthens the credibility of your testimony regarding the accident details and ongoing impacts.

Presenting your complete claim in the civil justice system also prevents key facts from being overlooked or minimized during settlement negotiations. It demonstrates your commitment to obtaining full and fair remedy available under the law.

What Expenses May be Recovered Through the Civil Lawsuit?

If you’ve suffered financial losses due to injuries from a drunk driver, pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim allows you to recover a wide variety of costs. Some common expenses that you could recover include:

• Past and future medical bills for initial treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and prescriptions you need after the crash.
• Lost wages if you missed time from work or experienced reduced earnings capacity.
• Property damage if your vehicle or other belongings were harmed.
• Ongoing care costs like nursing services or home health aids.
• Tuition for education was disrupted by the accident.
• Household services if daily tasks like cleaning became difficult.
• Travel expenses for ongoing treatment visits.
• Pain and suffering are compensation for physical and emotional hardship.
• Loss of enjoyment of life for impacts on hobbies and relationships.

Documenting Your Damages

Our drunk driving accident attorney in Phoenix will document all relevant expenses to present the full picture of your damages. This includes gathering medical records, bills, wage loss documentation, estimates for vehicle repair, and any other evidence of financial losses.

To collect your medical records and bills, we will request documentation directly from all doctors, hospitals, therapists, or other medical providers you have visited related to your crash injuries. We may ask you to sign medical release forms authorizing the transfer of these documents as well. Having complete records of treatment history, diagnoses, procedures, and charges is important to support the full costs of your care.

Having a well-documented claim is vital for demonstrating the full compensation you deserve and obtaining a favorable settlement or trial verdict. A civil lawsuit provides the means to be truly made whole through monetary recovery.

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How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help When You Have to Go to Court?

While most personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations without going to trial, sometimes court proceedings are unavoidable. If your case requires a court appearance, our attorneys at Zanes Law can provide support. We can:

• Provide legal guidance on participating in depositions, hearings, or a potential civil trial.
• Help you understand legal procedures and your role as a witness.
• Prepare you for questioning from opposing counsel through mock examinations.
• Accompany you in court for guidance and to object if any improper questions arise.
• Present evidence and your testimony in the strongest way to maximize the damages awarded.
• Deal directly with opposing parties’ lawyers so you don’t face them yourself.
• Request certain accommodations if needed, like closed hearings.
• Ensure you receive fair compensation through settlement or judgment if a ruling is made.

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How Long do Personal Injury Cases Typically Take?

There is a wide range in the length of time needed to see a personal injury case through to completion. Many straightforward cases with clear liability and more minor injuries may settle within six to 12 months if cooperation from all parties is present. However, claims involving serious injuries or complex liability determinations often require 12 to 18 months to reach a negotiated resolution.

Cases where settlement discussions face obstacles and a litigated outcome, seems necessary will generally extend the process even longer. Preparing extensive evidence and arguments for a potential civil trial before a judge or jury usually adds, at minimum, another six months. An actual trial date is typically scheduled 12 to 18 months after a lawsuit has commenced.

Overall, from the date of the accident to the final compensation payment, the average personal injury claim concludes within one to three years. Our attorneys make every effort to diligently and efficiently handle each personal injury case. While some timeframe variability exists based on external factors, regular status updates keep clients fully informed of timelines and progress toward resolution.

Learn More About Going to Court as a Drunk Driver Victim

As a DUI accident victim, it can be overwhelming and even confusing to know if or when you have to go to court for the liable party’s case. Our team of drunk driving accident attorneys in Phoenix at Zanes Law can help you through this process.

Contact us to learn more about if you have to go to court as a victim of a drunk driver.

Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
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