a male arbitrator discussing a car accident with three women and one man at a table.

When preparing for arbitration in a car accident case, you or an attorney will need to complete several steps. These steps typically include gathering and organizing evidence, providing the other side with copies, and arranging for witnesses to be present. You will also need to have an opening statement ready.

While arbitration is less formal than a trial, it still takes substantial preparation. How you present yourself matters, too. If you are in Georgia, an Atlanta car accident lawyer can prepare your case for arbitration and remain by your side through the process.

Understanding the Car Accident Arbitration Process

Most motor vehicle accident claims are resolved through settlements with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company. However, when settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, some claims proceed to arbitration, a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

When preparing for arbitration, it’s important to know what to expect. Your arbitration proceedings will closely mirror a jury trial but with a less formal structure.

Your arbitration will likely include the following elements:

Opening statements: Your attorney will present the evidence and your side of the story to the arbitrator. The opposing party’s lawyer will also have an opportunity to do the same.
Evidence presentation: Both you and the party responsible for the collision will provide sworn testimony detailing the circumstances of the incident. Supporting documents, such as police reports and medical records, will be introduced to substantiate your assertions.
Witness testimony: Lawyers may interrogate people who witnessed your accident or were affected by it. They may also cross-examine witnesses testifying for the opposing party.
Closing arguments: After both sides have been presented and scrutinized, attorneys will briefly summarize the evidence and make a closing statement that reiterates why your claim is valid.
Decision: After evaluating the evidence from both sides, the arbitrator will render a settlement decision. If the arbitration is binding, the decision cannot be appealed. However, if it is non-binding, the parties can opt to reject it and proceed with a trial.

Preparing for Your Arbitration Hearing

As your hearing date gets closer, your attorney will get everything ready and meet with you to prepare you. During this meeting, you and your lawyer will discuss the details of the crash, your injuries, and the resulting impact on your life. You should review the paperwork and evidence relating to your case.

Other tips for preparing for your hearing include the following:

Dressing as you would in court: You’ll want to make a positive impression on the arbitrator. Dress conservatively and professionally.
Being honest: Respond truthfully to questions posed by both your attorney and the opposing party’s attorney. If there is uncertainty or a lack of recollection, admit it without fabricating details. Present your answers directly and confidently, particularly when addressing inquiries about your accident.
Listening carefully: Make sure you understand each question before formulating a response. Ask for clarification if necessary.
Speaking clearly: The arbitrator must be able to understand your statements. Avoid mumbling or talking too fast.
Anticipating cross-examination: Familiarize yourself with questions your lawyer anticipates from the opposing attorney, preparing thoughtful responses.
Maintaining your composure: Avoid overly defensive or aggressive responses. Allow your attorney to do the arguing.

A seasoned personal injury lawyer from our firm can prepare you for the arbitration process or other legal proceedings.

Understanding the Stages of Arbitration

When preparing for your car accident arbitration, it’s important to comprehend the stages involved.

The standard phases of arbitration include the following:

Filing your car accident claim
Receiving the at-fault party’s response
Appointing a neutral arbitrator
Exchanging information and documents
Attending the arbitration hearing
Receiving the award

A member of our team can help you decide whether arbitration aligns with your needs. If engaging in arbitration is the best way to settle your claim, one of our attorneys will guide you through the preparation process and actual proceedings.

Factors the Arbitrator Will Consider

Keep in mind that an arbitrator functions as an impartial entity. Understanding what they generally take into account can help you thoroughly prepare for arbitration, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.

The following are some factors the arbitrator will focus on when making their decision:

Negligence in the at-fault party
The extent of your injuries
The accident’s impact on your life
Appropriate compensation for your losses

Our team of personal injury attorneys has extensive experience in car accident arbitrations and is committed to maximizing your financial compensation.

Consult With an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer When Preparing for Arbitration

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve a settlement that covers more than just medical bills and property damage. Our Atlanta car accident lawyer can explain your options during a free case evaluation. We’ll go over the specifics of your accident and help you decide whether arbitration is in your best interests.

If so, we will navigate the arbitration process for you and seek maximum compensation for all you’ve endured. If not, we can help you pursue compensation in some other way. Your initial consultation is completely free, and we don’t charge attorney fees unless we win your case.