Not all fear is created equal.  Some fear is rooted in tangible threats to our well-being, when the stakes are high and the danger is clear.

Other times, our fear is derived from a lack of understanding. As humans, we tend to fear what we don’t understand. When there are gaps in our understanding, anxiety often creeps in and fills those gaps with doubt and worry.

Court is something that falls into the second category of fear. Fear of going to court unfortunately prevents many accident victims from seeking the legal help they need. As uncertainty and confusion mount following an accident, the very thought of having to testify before a court leaves many people petrified.

The reality, however, is far less intimidating than most people imagine. In this blog, we’ll explain when (if ever) you will actually need to attend court for a personal injury case and show you that, with the right personal injury attorney, court isn’t something you need to worry about.

Court: Many Clients’ Biggest Fear

For many individuals, the idea of going to court is terrifying. Part of what causes this fear is the dramatic and highly exaggerated pop-culture depiction of courtrooms.

If you’ve never been to court for jury duty or a parking ticket, your perception of our legal system might be shaped exclusively by television dramas. Unfortunately, shows like Suits, Judge Judy, and Law & Order can leave viewers with a completely wrong impression of what court is actually like.

In these portrayals, the courtroom is highly dramatized. The environment is chaotic and hostile, with opposing attorneys giving long, intense speeches and last-minute evidence drops surprising everyone.

Additionally, if TV court is your only frame of reference, it might seem like giving a personal testimony before a judge and jury is all but inevitable. This strikes a nerve with many individuals who fear public speaking and want nothing more than to avoid situations like these.

The Reality of Going to Court

While the stakes are high in court, the reality is far less dramatic than what’s depicted on TV.

Most Personal Injury Cases Never Make it to Court

For starters, most personal injury cases never see the inside of a courtroom.

More often than not, personal injury cases are settled outside of court. The reason being: going to trial dramatically raises the stakes for everyone involved.

For the plaintiff, going to court means major time commitment, court fees, and the potential to receive nothing if your case is heard by a jury. All of which are things most want to avoid.

For insurance companies, going to court means money spent on defense. This hurts their bottom line which is ultimately all they are trying to protect.

Given these strong incentives, personal injury cases are rarely subject to trials.

Technological Advancements

If you’re even slightly familiar with the legal process in the United States, then you might be wondering, “What about motions, depositions, and facilitations? Surely I’ll have to attend court in some capacity, even if not for a trial.”

While this may have been the case 6 years ago, a lot has changed since 2020.

Since the mass adoption of video conferencing apps following the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all personal injury court proceedings take place virtually. Rather than going to court, clients are often able to attend required proceedings remotely alongside their attorney.

For clients, this means lower transportation costs, less stress, and far fewer situations where they’re put on the spot. In other words, “going to court” today looks far different than it did just a few years ago.

In the Rare Event Your Case Makes it to Trial

Although it’s rare, some personal injury cases do actually make it to trial. If your case makes it to this point, the reality of a personal injury trial is a far cry from what you’ve probably seen on TV.

On television, trials are depicted as a bitter showdown between good and evil. They’re dramatic, confrontational spectacles filled with long emotional speeches and constant objections.

In practice, court is not normally like this. Yes, the stakes are high and the tension can be palpable. But real-life trials are far less theatrical than their pop-culture portrayals.

Real trials are highly procedural and closely controlled. Every step follows established rules, leaving very little room for emotional rants or fiery speeches. Judges actively manage the process, and attorneys are expected to stay focused, respectful, and concise.

In addition to being calmer than television might suggest, evidence is exchanged in a far more formal manner. You don’t have to worry about last-minute testimonies or surprise evidence drops. This is because testimony and evidence are exchanged well in advance of your court date. By the time a trial takes place, both sides generally know what will be presented and how they plan to respond.

With regard to pacing, real trials move slowly and deliberately compared to their TV counterparts. There’s frequent breaks and opportunities for you to speak privately with your attorney, ensuring decisions are never rushed or made with an audience watching.

Finally, to address what may be your biggest fear, clients are rarely expected to speak at length during a trial. A vast majority of the courtroom discourse is between the attorneys and the judge. When client testimony is required, it’s carefully prepared in advance with the guidance of counsel.

Attorney-Client Preparation

One of the most important roles of an injury attorney is client preparation. Long before any formal proceedings, attorneys work closely with their clients to explain the injury compensation process and prepare them for each stage.

At Femminineo Law, we take extensive precautions to ensure our clients are informed throughout the duration of their case. From depositions to motion hearings to full-blown trials, we support our clients closely. If your participation is ever required, we’ll make sure you know exactly what’s being asked of you and create a game plan to keep your responses calculated and concise.

Get David Get Paid

Far too many accident victims choose not to pursue compensation due to their fear of the legal process. Although it may seem intimidating at first, most personal injury cases are resolved quietly, professionally, and without ever stepping foot in a courtroom.

If you were injured in an accident and want to discuss your options for compensation, contact Femminineo Law at 855-65-CRASH, today. Our legal team is experienced, compassionate, and ready to help you move forward with confidence.

Get David. Get Paid.