If you’ve filed a personal injury lawsuit, you may be asked to take part in a personal injury deposition. This pre-trial interview sets the stage for settlement talks or trial. So, knowing how to prepare for a deposition in a personal injury case can make all the difference.
Working closely with your personal injury attorney well before your deposition will boost your confidence. They’ll help you understand what to expect, rehearse answers to typical questions, and ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
What Is a Personal Injury Deposition and Why Does It Matter?
A personal injury deposition is a statement under oath where the defense lawyer asks you questions about the accident, your injuries, and how they’ve affected you. It’s like a formal interview and usually happens at a lawyer’s office, not in court, but you’re still under oath, just like you would be in front of a judge.
A deposition is the defense lawyer’s only chance before trial to ask questions about the accident, your injuries, and how they’ve affected you. The other side wants to hear your version of events and get details about your medical treatment, how the injury has affected your life, and anything else that might matter in court. After the deposition, the defense lawyer will report to the insurance company about what type of impression you make as a witness, and this factors into how insurance companies evaluate your case, so you want to make as good an impression as possible.
What you say during the deposition can be used later in your case. If your answers change or contradict something you previously said, it can harm your credibility. That’s why it’s so important to be honest, clear, and well-prepared.
How Does Deposition Work in a Personal Injury Case?
At the start, a court reporter will ask you to swear an oath to tell the truth. Then, the defense attorney will ask you questions. They’ll start with basic background information. Then, they’ll move on to the details of how the accident happened, what injuries you have, the treatment you’ve received, and how your life has changed because of the injury. There’s no judge present, but the transcript they create can be used later at trial.
Your attorney will be there with you the entire time. They may object to certain questions, but most of the time, you’ll still have to answer. If a question is too confusing or unfair, your lawyer can step in to protect you.
Depositions can take several hours, and while the process may seem stressful, being well-prepared can make a significant difference.
How to Prepare for a Deposition in a Personal Injury Case
Here are some simple steps to help you prepare:
- Know your case. Review what happened, your injuries, and your medical treatment.
- Stick to the facts. Only say what you know. Don’t guess. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s OK to say so.
- Be honest. Always tell the truth, even if you think it might hurt your case. Your lawyer can deal with a bad fact as long as you are honest about it. Lying, however, will ruin your case.
- Stay calm and polite. Even if the personal injury deposition questions seem aggressive, maintaining your composure helps establish your credibility.
- Take your time. Think before you speak, and don’t be afraid to pause before answering.
- Practice. Go over common questions with your lawyer ahead of time.
How Your Personal Injury Lawyer Helps You Get Ready
First, they’ll sit down with you to review the facts of your case and talk to you about the accident. Next, they will go over common deposition questions with you and explain what to say and what not to say.
Before the deposition, your lawyer will explain what each person in the room does and what objections they might raise to protect you.
On the day of the personal injury deposition, your attorney will be right beside you. Afterward, they’ll debrief you on how it went and prepare any follow-up steps.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured and have questions about how a deposition works or how to prepare, reach out to Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys. Contact us today for a free consultation at 706.354.1000. We’re here to help you through every step of your personal injury case.