What to Expect During a Personal Injury Trial

November 7, 2025

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If you find yourself having to go through a personal injury trial, you might be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect. It’s completely understandable to feel this way, as the legal system can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never been through a trial before. However, knowing what to expect can help alleviate some of your anxiety and better prepare you for the process.


At the Law Offices of Roderick T. McIver, PLLC, we understand that this may be a stressful and overwhelming time for you. That’s why we are here to provide guidance and support every step of the way. While every case is different, here is what you can generally expect:


Parties in the Courtroom During a Personal Injury Trial

During the trial, you can expect to see several key players in the courtroom. This may include the judge, the jury, the opposing counsel, and any witnesses who will be called to testify. Your attorney will guide you on how to interact with these parties and how to conduct yourself professionally throughout the trial. The judge is responsible for overseeing the personal injury trial, ensuring that proper legal procedures are followed, and ultimately making decisions on matters of law. They will also instruct the jury on their role and responsibilities.


Presenting Your Side of the Story

During a personal injury trial, you can expect to have your case heard in front of a judge and/or jury, depending on the circumstances of your case. You will have the opportunity to present your side of the story, along with any evidence or witness testimonies you may have to support your claims. It’s important to be prepared to answer questions from both your own attorney and the opposing counsel, as well as any questions from the judge or jury.


Hearing Arguments from Both Sides

Throughout the personal injury trial, you can expect to hear arguments from both sides, as each party presents their case and tries to prove their version of events. It’s important to remain calm and composed during these arguments and to listen carefully to what is being said. Your attorney will help guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected.


The Burden of Proof Lies with the Plaintiff

One of the most important things to remember during a personal injury trial is that the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff, which in this case would be you. This means that it is up to you to prove that the defendant is responsible for your injuries and should be held liable for damages.


To meet this burden of proof, you will need to present evidence that demonstrates the defendant’s negligence or wrongdoing.


Expect to Get Legal Help for a Personal Injury Trial

The outcome of your personal injury case can depend on having the right help from legal counsel. There are many ways that you can make a mistake in your case and cost you thousands of dollars in compensation. You can avoid many of those mistakes by hiring a quality lawyer from the beginning. Contact the Law Offices of Roderick T. McIver, PLLC at (336) 727-9886 to discuss taking on your case.

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