In most instances, personal injury matters resolve without the need for a trial. The objective from the outset of a personal injury matter is to acquire and then present the facts in the most effective means possible to assist the defence in better understanding the risks to the defendant if a trial were to occur. This promotes settlement. In rare cases there may simply be too many points of contention or differences too great to resolve by compromise and a trial becomes necessary. In these instances thorough preparation is key. Good counsel will anticipate what will be required in advance of trial and prepare for it. Nothing at trial should come as a surprise.