When and if you are ever asked to give a deposition regarding your involvement in a car accident it’s important to know what a deposition is, how to prepare for one, and what some of the most common questions you will be asked are.
What is a Deposition?
A deposition is a fact-finding process that involves you giving sworn testimony about the car accident. A lawyer for the opposing party will take your testimony, it will be recorded by a court recorder, and it will be used in a trial if necessary. Your testimony may also be tape-recorded or video-taped. You have the legal right to have your own lawyer present at the deposition.
Common Questions Asked at a Car Crash Deposition
You’ll be asked some generic questions like where you currently live and where you’ve lived in the past. You’ll be asked about your employment history, including things like how much you earned, the reasons you left, and whether or not the decision to leave was yours or your employers’. You’ll also be asked about your entire medical history with regard to any injuries you’ve ever suffered, and the details surrounding said injury(s).
You will also be asked about claims and/or lawsuits you’ve been involved in, your criminal record, details regarding the car crash including, but not limited to, where you were coming from, where you were going, the route you took, if anyone was with you, what you were doing prior to leaving, et cetera. You’ll be asked details about any injuries you suffered as a result of the car crash, what your physical complaints were, and what treatments you received. If you are claiming any physical impairment that resulted from the car crash, you’ll be asked what they are.
Common Trick Questions Asked at a Deposition
You will also be asked some trick questions at your deposition. This is to see if the lawyer can make you stumble or diminish your credibility later on if the case goes to trial. You might be asked what color shirt a passenger in your car was wearing, or what type of shoes they were wearing. You may also be asked questions that make you look bad no matter what your answer is. “Are you feeling better today?” “Why did you choose the doctor that you did?”
What to do Before Your Deposition
Go prepared to your deposition:
- Review all information regarding your testimony.
- Visit the scene of the accident.
- Review all statements you have already made.
- Get legal representation
Get Legal Help before Your Deposition
It is a good life policy to always consult an attorney with regard to any legal issue you are dealing with. This goes equally for representation in the event of a car crash deposition. Only with reliable legal representation can you be sure that you are leveling the playing field for you, and protecting yourself from any trickery on the part of the other party or their legal representatives.
