Injury Lawyer Discusses What Will Happen At Your First Court Appearance

People who have never been to court before can be confused about what is appropriate when it comes time to make the first appearance in court for a personal injury case. Here is some helpful information from a personal injury lawyer on what to expect, how to prepare for and how to behave during your first time in court.

First Appearances

A personal injury victim, or plaintiff, often finds their first "court" experience is usually when they give their deposition, or tell their side of the story for the record. This normally takes place long before any trial, in the office of their injury lawyer or that of the defendant (the person being sued). Even though it is not a courtroom, anything said is taken down by an official court recorder and will be used for the actual trial. The plaintiff will be given a questionnaire, called an interrogatory, to complete in writing about their side of the case. The injury lawyer will advise when the first appearance will be well before it happens.

Dress and Presentation Matters

Dress and personal presentation are extremely important in any legal appearance. First impressions form how the attorneys, judge and jury see you and your case. A plaintiff should be well groomed and neat. Women are advised not to dress "flashy." Distracting, large or expensive jewelry is better left for a different occasion. Avoid heavy, dramatic makeup. Show respect for the court with traditional clothing choices not brightly colored clothing. Keep hemlines and necklines conservative. Men should get a haircut, shave and wear a shirt and tie, although a suit is better. Piercings, tattoos, extreme hairstyles and casual clothing should be avoided. Wear closed shoe styles-no flip-flops or sandals.

Be Mentally Prepared

Always answer all questions directly and truthfully. Avoid using "uh huh" and nodding instead of replying, and only answer the question being asked-no more, no less. Be prepared for the defense to try to upset you by making statements and asking questions designed to get an emotional response. The injury lawyer will help a plaintiff prepare in advance by going over all the ways they could be questioned (cross-examined). Always understand every part of your injury case, including medical terms, treatments, dates, times, and sequences of events.

Who Will Be There?

Usually only your injury lawyer, the defense attorney, the court reporter, and other staff will be in the room for a deposition. However, sometimes the defendant will be there, and they will give their story, or testimony, too. The plaintiff should be emotionally prepared and not become disturbed by their presence. In the actual courtroom, all the attorneys, court employees, the judge and jury, witnesses, and sometimes an audience will be present. If it is a higher-profile case, that has earned a lot of public attention, there might even be reporters.

What to Bring

The plaintiff needs to bring very little with them to court, unless advised to by their injury lawyer. Make sure to bring a legal photo ID (driver's license, state ID, etc.), because most courts require people to identify themselves before being allowed to enter the building. A small notebook with the important facts and details about the case can be brought to be reviewed when the court is on a break (in recess). Other than that, a positive attitude about the injury case's prospects and a dedication to telling the truth are all you need.

Although most personal injury cases actually settle out of court, your injury lawyer will give guidance through the process, and help you make the best-informed decisions for the case. By being properly prepared in every way for that first appearance in court, you can increase your chances of success. In the end, if everything goes well, you will be awarded the judgment the case deserves.