Your Auto Accident Deposition: What To Expect
When a careless driver causes you injuries, you may need to take the case to trial. Some auto accidents settle outside of court, but some do not. In preparation for court, you will probably need to participate in a deposition. You can easily prepare for this experience by reading below.
What Is a Deposition?
Depositions are part of discovery. Discovery contains several actions such as information sharing, questions and answers, depositions, and more. The deposition is likely the pretrial action that involves you the most.
Victims of car accidents and other personal injury situations must give testimony about the accident and their medical treatment. Discovery helps both sides prepare for court by sharing evidence and witness lists. The deposition gives each side a preview of what to expect when the judge bangs the gavel to open court.
What Happens During a Deposition?
Depositions usually happen in conference rooms at law offices or courthouses. The lawyers, a court reporter, and witnesses are present at the deposition. Only the witness currently being questioned will be in the room, however.
Your personal injury lawyer will be with you at the deposition, and they will also prepare you for what to expect in terms of questioning. For instance, if the other side is questioning your current medical status, you can be ready to speak about that aspect of the case.
When it's your turn to give testimony, you will be called into the room and sworn in. The lawyer for the other driver will ask you questions about the case. They may begin by asking you general questions about yourself and your family. They will gradually focus on the accident and your injuries, however.
Being Prepared for the Deposition
You can do a lot to get ready for your deposition. Your preparation should begin with speaking with your lawyer. Your case should have settled outside of court, but there are probably specific issues that prevented that from happening. Those issues will be the focus of the deposition and the trial.
Review your medical records, the accident report, and your journal or notes about your treatment. That way, you can answer questions more confidently. However, you may bring your materials with you if you like. Your lawyer can do some practice sessions with you if you are feeling unsure about the deposition. Don't allow yourself to become flustered or confused during the questioning. Stay calm and only answer questions you know the answer to.
To find out more about an auto accident deposition, speak to a law office, such as the Law Office Of Timothy M. O'Donovan.