Be Ready For Your Personal Injury Deposition Using These Tips
Some personal injury cases settle outside of court. However, you may need to participate in a deposition if you end up suing the other driver and their insurer after an accident. The other driver is responsible for paying you for certain damages if they caused the accident. You must have physical injuries, though, and proof of all of your other damages too. Depositions are part of trial preparations and involve being questioned under oath about the accident and your damages. For some tips on only getting through the deposition, read on.
In most cases, trials revolve around one or two central issues that could not be agreed upon during the settlement negotiations. These issues are sure to be the focus of the deposition questioning too. Know the issues inside and out by discussing them with your personal injury lawyer.
A common issue with personal injury cases involves fault, and that often leads to a trial when it's disputed. Review how the accident occurred so that you can answer questions about the events with confidence, accuracy, and thoroughness.
Damages can also create slowdowns when it comes to settlements and thus become part of a trial. For example, medical expenses are one thing, but some victims also deserve more than that to cover their needs. If you are asking to be paid for future medical needs, be ready to discuss your medical history and future needs in detail with the other side's attorneys.
Evidence is important to all personal injury cases, but most physical evidence is covered using other forms of discovery before the trial. However, witnesses are an important part of a deposition. You should review the witness list with your attorney, understand what the witnesses are testifying about, and make sure that what you say is not at odds with their testimony. This is all under the control of your lawyer, who will coordinate everything.
Your lawyer can also help you understand how to answer questions during the deposition. There is an art to making sure you answer only what is being asked without rambling on. You will find that you can take your time when forming your answer, take breaks when you need them, and confer with your lawyer during the testimony at any time you wish.
Review everything in your possession about the accident and speak with your attorney to prepare yourself for the deposition. To find out more, speak to a personal injury attorney like Todd East Attorney at Law.
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