The legal process that follows a car accident can be intense. That is understandable given the stakes involved. But you can’t let the pressure get the best of you. If you fold or rush your claim through the process, then you might end up with less compensation than you deserve. You certainly don’t want that to happen.
While you’ll need to talk to witnesses, gather police reports, and obtain medical records as you prepare your case, you’ll also want to be prepared for your deposition. In short, a deposition is the taking of sworn testimony outside of court and before trial. It’s an effective way to gain information from witnesses, figure out the other side’s strategy, and lock witnesses into their statements. In other words, this is a key part of the discovery process that can shape the way that your case plays out.
How can you prepare for your deposition?
If you’re scheduled to be deposed by the defense, then you’re probably riddled with nervousness. This is normal. However, you may be able to calm yourself and enter your deposition with composure and confidence by doing each of the following:
- Be prepared to listen carefully: Your answers to the questions posed to you during a deposition are going to be used against you if at all possible. Although that can be nerve-wracking, it doesn’t have to be. Simply take your time when answering questions, and only do so if you truly understand what is being asked of you. If you don’t, then feel free to ask for clarification.
- Be ready to tell the truth: Remember, a deposition is taken under oath. And if you try to stretch the truth or mischaracterize the facts, it’s probably going to be found out through other witness testimony or physical evidence. Don’t put yourself in a bad position by trying to hide the truth.
- Only provide what’s asked for: It can be easy to keep talking during a deposition. Some people do that when they get nervous. But this can put you in a bad position, as you may end up saying something that you shouldn’t have. Therefore, make sure that you’re only answering the questions that are asked. You shouldn’t provide any more than that.
- Review your case: Before heading into your deposition, you should have a command of the facts of your case. Therefore, you’ll want to review the police report, your medical records, and the answers to any interrogatories that your attorney may have provided to the defense. This way you won’t get caught up in a contradiction.
- Ask for a break if you need it: If you’re feeling flustered during your deposition, then you should ask to take a break. Losing composure during a deposition can cause you to make statements that are harmful to your case.
- Feel free to say that you don’t know the answer: If the defense goes fishing and starts asking you to speculate, don’t fall into the trap. If you don’t know the answer to a certain question, just say so.
Protect your interests throughout the legal process
There are a lot of steps that you’ll have to take if you want to successfully navigate your personal injury case. And you should know how to avoid some of the common pitfalls along the way if you want to protect your interests and your claim as fully as possible.
