Court Trials in Oldsmar, Florida
Car accidents can be overwhelming, especially when they result in serious injuries or disputes over fault. If you find yourself heading to court after a car accident in Oldsmar, Florida, it’s important to know what to expect. Understanding the trial process can help you feel more prepared and confident as you navigate this challenging time.
Step 1: Filing a Lawsuit in Oldsmar, Florida
After a car accident, the first step in the court trial process is filing a lawsuit. This occurs when the parties involved cannot settle the matter outside of court. In Oldsmar, car accidents often happen on busy roads like Tampa Road or near popular spots such as the Oldsmar Flea Market. If you’ve been involved in a crash in these areas, it might be time to consider taking legal action.
Step 2: Discovery Phase and Gathering Evidence
Once the lawsuit is filed, both sides enter the discovery phase, where they gather evidence to support their case. This can include police reports, medical records, and witness statements. In Oldsmar, witnesses may come from local places such as Bicentennial Park or Oldsmar Sports Complex. It is crucial to have a legal team that knows how to collect and present this evidence effectively.
Step 3: Mediation and Settlement Discussions
Before a trial begins, the court may order mediation. This is an attempt to reach an agreement without going to trial. Mediation sessions might happen at local community centers or offices near Oldsmar Town Center. However, not all cases settle in mediation, and some proceed to a full court trial.
Step 4: The Trial in Court
If mediation doesn’t result in a settlement, the case moves to trial. Here, both sides present their evidence and arguments before a judge or jury. In Oldsmar, trials typically take place at the Pinellas County Courthouse, which is just a short drive from the heart of Oldsmar. The trial process can take several days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of the case
Step 5: The Verdict and Potential Appeal
After both sides present their cases, the judge or jury will deliver a verdict. If the decision is not in your favor, there may be an option to appeal. This means your case could be reviewed by a higher court, prolonging the process but potentially altering the outcome.
Why Choose Kemp Law to Represent You in Oldsmar, Florida?
Navigating a car accident trial in Oldsmar requires a deep understanding of local laws, courts, and conditions. Choosing the right representation can make all the difference. Kemp Law knows the ins and outs of the legal landscape in Oldsmar, from dealing with the local courthouses to understanding the unique traffic patterns around Tampa Road and Shore Drive.
Our team is dedicated to standing by your side, ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
FAQs
you deserve answers
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How Do I Know Who Was At-Fault?
Fault is determined by the evidence collected during the investigation. We look to many things to determine fault in the case: we look to the police report, we look to witness statements, we look to the property damage to the vehicles, skid marks, layout of the cars, etc. Sometimes we even have to refer to accident re-constructionists to do a professional examination of the all the evidence to do a recommendation for us, but that does not happen in very many cases.
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Will I Recover Monetary Damages?
It depends on who was at fault for the accident. If you were at fault, your insurance company will pay for the damage to the vehicle. If you were not at fault, the at-fault driver’s or owner’s insurance policy will pay for the damage, and if they do not have enough coverage to cover the damage to your vehicle, your collision coverage (if purchased) would pay for the damage to your vehicle.
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What Documents Will I Need?
We like you to bring the driver’s exchange of information that the police officer gives you at the scene. We also like you bring any photographs of damage at the scene. Also bring your health insurance cards and your auto insurance cards or declarations page, so we can review the coverage available to you.
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What Should I Say To The Insurance Company?
The at-fault party’s insurance company could ask you to give them a recorded statement. You do not have to give them a recorded statement. However, if your own insurance company asks you for a recorded statement please seek advice from your attorney so that they can assist you in giving that statement. But yes you do have to comply and you do have to give your insurance company a recorded statement.
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Will I Have To Go To Court?
Actually, most cases, or a large percentage of the cases are resolved pre-suit, which means the cases never go to court. We work with the insurance companies before filing suit to try to find a fair resolution for the client, which save money on expenses, court costs and attorney’s fees.
