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Case Value Factors: Damage, Jury Appeal, & Defendant Quality

Jacksonville Accident Injury LawyerConvincing the jury of the extent of your damages in a car accident can be difficult. A good attorney can help you through the process, and help you receive much more than you could on your own.

These days, damages to cars in accidents are much less than they were decades ago. Bumpers are stronger and can take more impact than ever before. Unfortunately, jurors are most impressed by the evidence provided of collision damage. Obviously, the more damage to your car, the more likely a jury will believe your injuries. A Jacksonville accident injury lawyer suggests you obtain pictures of all automobiles involved in your accident. Any car damage will help your cause. Significant damage to the defendant’s car will also help convince an insurance adjuster, as well as a jury, that your injuries are more substantial.

Your attorney will prepare you for your appeal to the jury. The following questions need to be addressed:

  • What kind of person are you?
  • Will the jury like you?
  • Will your attorney believe in you and be able to positively represent you?

People who are unlikable are less likely to be favored by a jury. If your attorney believes that the jury will not like you, then your best option may be to take any reasonable settlement offer from the insurance company.

Similarly, if the defendant is sketchy or not trustworthy to the jury, it may help your case. Some examples of bad defendants:

  • Drunk drivers;
  • Aggressive drivers; and
  • Negligent bar owners who let their patrons get too intoxicated

With bad defendants, your settlements may go up.

However, in most small cases of this nature, defendants are usually average people who were negligent only for a few seconds. If the defendant is considered good, then the jury may be more sympathetic to the defendant and your settlement value will likely be lower.

For more information on the factors regarding settlement in your injury case, contact attorney John Fagan at 904-278-1000.

There’s Never a Fee Unless We Get Money For You

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