Most personal injury cases settle before trial — but when insurance companies refuse fair value, DePaoli Law Team takes cases all the way to a jury. Understanding the trial process can reduce anxiety and help you make informed decisions. Here is exactly what happens.Before Trial — Preparation That Wins CasesWinning at trial starts long before the first day. DePaoli Law Team's pre-trial preparation includes: Witness preparation — reviewing deposition transcripts and preparing each witness Expert witness retention — medical experts, accident reconstructionists, economists Exhibit preparation — medical illustrations, crash reconstructions, timeline graphics Jury research — understanding the community profile of likely jurors Trial strategy development — deciding which evidence to emphasize and how Mock trial and focus groups for complex cases The Phases of a Personal Injury TrialJury Selection (Voir Dire) — Both sides question potential jurors and may remove biased jurors from the panel. This phase can take one to two days. Opening Statements — Each attorney previews their case for the jury. DePaoli Law Team uses this phase to establish the emotional and factual foundation of the victim's story. Plaintiff's Case in Chief — DePaoli Law Team presents evidence: witness testimony, medical expert testimony, economic expert testimony, and exhibits. Defense Case — The defendant presents their witnesses and evidence, attempting to minimize liability and damages. Closing Arguments — Each side summarizes the evidence and asks the jury for a specific verdict. Jury Deliberations — The jury decides liability and damages. In California, a three-quarter verdict (9 of 12 jurors) is sufficient in civil cases. The Verdict — The jury announces their findings. DePaoli Law Team's largest trial verdict was $3,850,000+ — achieved after rejecting an $800,000 pre-trial offer.How Long Does a Personal Injury Trial Take?Simple cases with clear liability and limited damages: 3 to 5 days. Moderate complexity cases: 1 to 2 weeks. Complex catastrophic injury or wrongful death cases: 2 to 6 weeks. DePaoli Law Team won a three-week jury trial in Stanislaus County that resulted in a $3.85M+ verdict. That commitment to seeing cases through — regardless of the time required — is what separates a trial attorney from a settlement attorney.Frequently Asked QuestionsShould I be afraid to go to trial? +Trial can seem intimidating, but it is also the strongest leverage point you have. Insurance companies settle cases more generously when they know your attorney will actually take them to trial. DePaoli Law Team prepares every case as if it is going to a jury — and that reputation affects what insurers put on the settlement table.Can I still settle after trial starts? +Yes — cases settle at every phase including during trial and during jury deliberations. DePaoli Law Team never stops negotiating if a fair offer emerges. But we also never pressure clients to accept inadequate offers just to avoid the courtroom. Questions About Your Specific Situation? Call DePaoli Law Team at (916) 962-2896 or submit your case online for a free, confidential evaluation. No fee unless we win. CA Bar #283310.