Victims of personal injuries often battle with anxiety, fear of uncertainty, and suspense as the case unfolds. If their case cannot be settled out of court, then their day in court can come sooner than expected. If that is the reality of your case, we would understand if you are feeling uneasy about testifying in court.
Nevertheless, you will have to testify if you wish to win any compensation. Testifying in a New Jersey personal injury trial requires adequate preparation to ensure you effectively communicate your story. Therefore, here are nine tips to help you prepare for your personal injury trial as your day in court approaches.
Table of Contents
Talk With Your Lawyer
Before the trial, trash things out with your lawyer regarding what to expect during the trial. For example, ask about the likely questions to expect from opposing counsel. This helps you mentally prepare and maintain composure when asked uncomfortable questions.
Your Dressing Matters
There is a saying that people address you based on how you dress; it cannot be truer when it comes to court appearances. When you attend your personal injury trial, you want to give a good first impression. Therefore, dress appropriately, neatly, and conservatively, but not too formal or casual.
Do Not Exaggerate Details
You might be tempted to add to your testimony to make the defendant look guiltier, but that will backfire. Honesty is crucial in any personal injury trial; therefore, even if the answer may not favor your case, be honest.
Stick To Known Facts
The goal of the trial is to help the judge or jury see things from your point of view and rule in your favor. To do that, you want to avoid confusing the details and just stick to the known facts. Only share relevant details concerning the accident, using photos and drawings where applicable.
Be Loud and Clear
How the judge or jury understand and interpret your testimony will depend on how you communicate it. There will be zero chances of misinterpretation when you offer a clear oral presentation, confidently presenting detailed conversation.
Do Not Digress
Avoid leaving the scope of the question at hand to ensure clarity and avoid diluting the truth. The judge or jury will trust your credibility if you avoid divergence-offs and instead offer a concise argument.
Maintain Composure
Testifying will likely bring back some painful memories, but you have to do everything to keep your emotions in check. When you maintain composure despite debilitating questions, you tell everyone that you are focused, a professional, and can manage stress efficiently. Thus, you want to refrain from threatening opposing counsel or anyone else, be respectful, and avoid direct argumentative discussions.
Give Answers Based on Directed Inquiries
It is very easy to contradict yourself on the stand when you are giving answers to questions no one asks. During your personal injury trial, only answer what you are asked; if you are unsure, come clean rather than assume.
Practice
Practicing your trial, alone or with your lawyer, prepares you for what lies ahead. That means you will re-read all relevant documents and rehearse them several times before the testing day.
“The more practice you do before the trial day, the less chance of getting thrown off by the opposing counsel,” says Attorney John Gorman of Andrew L. Statmore from Fredson Statmore Bitterman LLC.
Besides, practicing helps you get comfortable expressing testimonies aloud, inevitably boosting your credibility.
Conclusion
Testifying in a New Jersey court at a personal injury trial is a serious matter; therefore, take it seriously. Ultimately, you want everyone, especially the judge or jury, to see you as a professional, credible, and in control.
