Keep a Post-auto Accident Plan in Your Glove Box

If you've been the victim of a bad driver, you may now be involved in seeking the compensation that you deserve. You have the right to travel without having to worry about careless drivers that are not paying attention, are driving too fast or are disobeying the rules of the road. In come cases, you may end up taking that other driver (or their insurance company) to court. Read on for a quick primer on how to be ready for this event and ensure that your time in court is successful and productive.

Try to Remember

It's not an uncommon scenario; your wreck was back in January and your first day of court is in October. Calling on your memories to help you recall the events of the accident and everything that came after it can be challenging, but not if you prepare in advance. If you have been taking notes or keeping a journal, now will be the time to put it to use. If not, don't despair, you can still use what you have available to refresh your memory.

1. Gather your medical receipts and (if you have them), your medical records. Viewing them chronologically should help spark your memory.

2. View any photographs or videos of the accident scene or your injuries.

3. Take a look at any accident-related documents, such as the accident or police report.

4. View any court-related documents, like your copy of the complaint or suit.

After reviewing the above, you should be able to assemble a chronological summary and be ready to answer questions.

Don't Get Rattled

You could easily get nervous about taking the stand, but a bit of advance preparation will go a long way toward calming your nerves. Keep in mind that your personal injury attorney will make sure that you know what you are doing when the time comes, and you may find yourself practicing with your legal team before you hit the stand. Here's some tips to promote success on the stand:

1. Make sure you fully understand the question you are being asked; don't be shy about asking for more clarification before you answer. Take your time when answering to ensure that you express yourself accurately.

2. Answer only what is being asked, don't elaborate or ramble on. Being nervous makes some people keep talking long after the question has been answered. Unfocused speaking could cause you to say something you did not mean to say.

3. The other side may try to catch you off-guard by sending you rapid-fire questions. Take a moment to gather your thoughts after each question and allow your attorney time to object to the question or the manner they are being asked.

For more information, contact a company like Alexander Law Group .