Every day, people are injured in accidents and scenarios that are not their fault. In many of these situations, the injured party is due compensation for their injuries and the associated medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To help them recover these damages, they hire a specific type of attorney known as a personal injury attorney.
Personal injury law is unique and nuanced. Proving that you are not at fault for the incident and that you deserve compensation can be difficult, which is why you really need the help of these professionals. Learn more about personal injury attorneys and their jobs on this website.
For car accident victims, getting life back to normal again is the goal. The time it takes to accomplish that goal varies with the seriousness of the accident and your injuries. If you are unable to settle your case, your auto accident attorney may file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and that might mean a deposition. You can be prepared for this event by taking a look at the below guide. Read and be informed about your personal injury deposition.
What Is the Purpose of the Deposition?
Depositions are just one part of the pretrial process known as discovery. The goal of a deposition (and discovery, in general) is to share the facts of the case between both sides. Some might worry that doing so is giving away trial strategies, but most trials begin with each side knowing all about witnesses and evidence. This allows them to better prepare to refute both.
What Happens at a Deposition?
Depositions are all about testimony. Anyone with a part in the case may be called to testify at a deposition and all are sworn to tell the truth. Anything said at a deposition is recorded and may be used later in court.
When it's your turn, no one else will be present in the conference room except the court reporter, attorneys for both sides, and you. Notably absent is a judge. The attorneys run the deposition and objections are noted in the record.
What Will Your Attorney Ask You?
Your auto accident attorney will help you prepare for being questioned by providing you with an idea of what to expect. You may know ahead of time, for example, that you may be questioned closely about your medical treatment and your present state of health. It may be helpful, once you know what to expect, to review paperwork like medical treatment records to refresh your memories. If you have been keeping a pain journal, and hopefully, you have, now is the time to reread it. Other common areas of focus include pre-existing conditions, delays in getting medical treatment, how the accident happened, and more.
What Else to Expect
While accident victims can be understandably nervous about participating in a deposition, there may be a participation prize. In some cases, the other side may be moved to offer you a settlement that meets your needs after being confronted with evidence supporting your side of the case. Settlements can be offered and accepted at any time before the jury makes a ruling, even after the case has begun.
Speak to an auto accident attorney to find out more.