A deposition is a critical part of the pre trial process. Each deposition will be slightly different depending on how the attorney conducting the deposition chooses to ask the questions. A deposition requires the individuals involved in the car accident to answer questions under oath. These questions can then be used to help prepare for trial or to provide discovery or more information and facts about the case. The deposition is recorded, word for word, by a court reported who then produces a transcript that is made available to the lawyers as a record of the testimony.
Deposition Questions
Deposition questions can range from very basic information seeking questions about the witness through to specific questions about the accident, injuries or medical treatment sought.
For car accidents, deposition questions tend to stay on a fairly predictable outline. Personal information and your background will be covered thoroughly in the deposition. This will typically includes questions about your:
- Education
- Marital status
- Health and medical information and conditions prior to the accident
- Employment background including any injuries that may have occurred
- Criminal background
- History of lawsuits or claims
The questions about the accident can and will include all aspects such as a weather, road conditions, traffic and the specifics of when and where the accident happened. You will be required to explain the accident in extreme detail in most cases.
Medical Information and Questions
Information on the medical treatment you received or are receiving will generally form the bulk of the deposition questions. The typical questions covered will include:
- Symptoms, medical treatment, specific injuries
- Date of diagnosis and when you first sought medical care
- Details of ongoing medical problems related to the accident
- Lost wages, income or loss of ability to participate in specific types of activities
- How the health issues have impacted your life, marriage and family
Seeking Legal Help
While you can prepare for deposition on your own to some degree, having and attorney walk you through the questions you will have to answer will help you be calmer and more effective. If you guess at answers or change your answers after the deposition you can negatively affect the outcome of your lawsuit and settlement options. An attorney can also ensure that you have accurate information and understand the information provided on police reports, medical reports and other witness statements to accurately answer the questions during your hearing.
