1. Get a good night sleep. Your mind needs to be as sharp as possible to outthink the opposing counsel.
2. Where comfortable cloths, preferably in layers. If you get to cold and start shaking this will be viewed as fear and if you get to hot and start sweating this will be viewed as hostility.
3. Review medical bills, depositions, doctors’ reports as much as possible. You do not want to have any gap in your story or be a shady witness who appears to be lying
4. Rehearse responses to possible questions that the opposing counsel will maybe use. It never hurts to be overly prepared, but being under prepared could cost you greatly but emotionally, physically and financial.
5. Meet with your lawyer before hand and make sure that he/she is prepared.
Ask questions like:
I. What questions will you ask me?
II. What do you think I will be asked by opposing counsel?
III. What evidence will be presented?
IV. Will I be involved in the jury selection?
V. What does our closing look like?
6. If you will take part in the jury selection, have your lawyer explain the process so you will be prepared. This may happen very quickly in which you will be expected to give a quick reason why you want or do no want a particular person on the jury.
7. Remember that honesty is your best tool. You do not have to remember a script; just tell your life story of the pain, loss and trails you have already experienced.
8. Be aware that you are only allowed to answer the question which is being asked, but there is always a creative way of getting the truth in. How you word your response may be what determines if something is admissible in court. This is why practicing your responses may help you when you get on the stand and nerves try to overtake you.
9. Make sure you know the exact location of the court house, the appointed room and the time you are expected to be there. If this is your lawyers first time at the courthouse you may want to double check if they know where they are going as well. However, do this discreetly as you do not want your lawyer to get mad before trial.