During a deposition, you will answer questions related to your personal injury case. For example, you may be asked for testimony about how the accident happened and how your injuries have affected your life.
You can be prepared for your personal injury deposition beforehand by an attorney.
A lawyer can also help you with every other aspect of a personal injury case, such as preparing evidence and handling settlement negotiations. If you have questions about what to expect during a deposition, you can ask a personal injury lawyer’s team.
What Should I Expect From a Personal Injury Deposition?
A deposition is essential in a personal injury case because it’s the first chance to give your testimony. The opposing counsel prepares and asks questions to uncover what happened during the event in question.
One important way to prepare for a personal injury deposition is to seek out a lawyer’s help. A personal injury lawyer has experience with depositions and can help you understand all forms of questions that you may encounter during your oral testimony. Additionally, utilizing legal representation is a great way to ensure that your rights are protected during the entire deposition process.
As a lawyer will explain to you, depositions are valuable for determining the merits and weaknesses of a case. Preparation is key in a personal injury deposition, as it is an important chance to assert the facts of your case. Specifically, some of the questions you will be expected to discuss during the deposition will include:
Personal Information
This is general information about your life and background. You’ll be expected to answer questions about your name, occupation, or details related to your legal history. This is often the easiest step in the deposition process.
Prior Health Condition
In a personal injury case, one party might suffer a serious injury from the other party. A deposition will need you to clarify the state of your health before your injury. Information provided at this stage contributes to the outcomes of the case.
The health conditions discussed could also involve cognitive aspects like mental wellness.
Information About the Accident
Exact details about what happened during the accident and injury are at the center of the personal injury case. The way you describe the accident in your own words is a great way to disclose the facts and the impact the injury has had on your life.
An attorney can help you prepare for your testimony to showcase your case in the strongest possible light. Your attorney will give you sample questions on what you will be asked and what you might say. Questions might include:
- How did (the liable party) act?
- What was your reaction?
- Who saw the injury take place?
Your lawyer can help you practice your answers to these questions to ensure that you are ready on the day of the deposition.
Description of Injury
To prove the extent of your injuries, you also need to describe your damages and medical treatment. It may be helpful to detail your healing process as a good indicator of the effects of the accident. Your attorney can help you craft your answers without leaving any valuable information out.
How the Accident Changed Your Life
This is the final step in the deposition process. Here, you testify about the various ways in which the accident changed your life. If you hurt your leg before you planned to run a marathon, you can demonstrate your pain and the consequences of the injury.
The details provided here are often considered when quantifying the damages related to the accident. Be as detailed as possible while remaining truthful.
Am I Eligible for Compensation Following My Personal Injury Deposition?
Your deposition is just one important part of your case for compensation against a liable party. An attorney can help you build a strong case based on other evidence in addition to your testimony.
You could seek compensation for a personal injury case if you have evidence showing that:
- The injured party owed you a duty of care: Drivers owe other drivers a duty of care, for example. In a premises liability case, a property owner owes a visitor reasonably safe conditions on their property.
- The other party breached their duty of care: In other words, they were careless, reckless, or failed to act in a reasonable way to protect your safety.
- You were hurt as a result: You have injuries as a direct result of the defendant’s breached duty of care.
- You suffered damages: This may be medical bills to care for your injuries or property damage caused by a car accident.
However, you won’t have to prove that all of the above elements were true of your personal injury case during the deposition. A lawyer will help you gather evidence for this purpose and handle all other aspects of your legal case.
Get a Free Case Review From George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has a personal injury case, George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers can help you prepare. Knowing what to expect can go a long way for your injury case. Additionally, our lawyers can get started on your case with no upfront fees involved. We will only receive payment if we produce results for you.*
Call us today for a free case review:(843) 779-1777.