What to Expect in a Deposition for a Car Accident

During a car accident injury claim, depositions may be used to gather information. A deposition is a formal question-and-answer session in which information is obtained about how, why, when, and where a crash occurred. Questions will also be asked about the car accident victim’s injuries, the medical they required because of the injury, and the effect those injuries have on them.

In addition, you may be asked to provide documentation about the financial effect of the accident on your life. During deposition, they may ask for personal testimony about your suffering and limitations as well as your financial situation.

Questions You Should Expect in a Car Accident Deposition

Depositions can heavily influence the outcome of a personal injury case, so it is essential to be prepared and know what to expect. The defendant’s attorney will ask you questions about the crash and the consequences of the collision while a court reporter records your answers. Your answers may be referred to later, so being consistent is crucial.

If you must attend a deposition, your lawyer can help you know what to expect and how to prepare. An experienced car accident attorney will know the types of questions you will likely be asked.

Questions About the Car Accident

One of the primary purposes of a deposition is to gain information about the accident. Each deposition is different, but you can likely expect to be asked questions such as:

• What was the time and date of the accident?
• How fast were you traveling before the accident?
• When did you first see the other vehicle?
• How did the vehicles collide?
• What parts of the vehicle were struck?

Questions About Your Injuries

During the deposition, you can expect questions about your injuries and the impact the injuries had on your life. You may be asked:

• What parts of your body were injured during the collision, and how were you injured?
• When and where did you get medical treatment after the crash?
• Who are your doctors and other medical providers?
• How have your injuries affected your ability to work, carry out everyday activities, and enjoy life?

Questions About the Financial Impact of the Crash

The defendant will want to gather information about the financial consequences of the accident and the financial losses you are claiming. You may be asked questions such as:

• Did you lose any income because of your injuries?
• What medical expenses have you incurred because of your injuries?
• What type of property damage resulted from the accident?
• What out-of-pocket expenses have you experienced because of the accident?

Questions About Your Life and Background

Some of the questions asked during a car accident deposition may seem unrelated to the accident. However, these questions are used to get background information and establish a baseline. Questions about your personal life may include:

• What are your address and phone number?
• Where do you work?
• Are you married?
• Do you have children?
• Where did you attend school or college?
• Do you have any medical conditions or health problems that predate the accident?
• Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

Tips for Your Car Accident Deposition

If you are deposed during your car accident injury case, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of a successful case outcome. There are also things you should avoid doing because they will harm your chances of recovering maximum compensation:

• Be honest when answering questions. Parties involved in a deposition are under oath. Lying can damage your credibility and be used against you later in the case. Per RS Art. 14:123, giving a false sworn complaint can even lead to penalties for perjury.
• Keep your answers brief, and do not volunteer additional information. Typically, the less you say, the better.
• Don’t guess. If you don’t know the answer or don’t recall an event, it is perfectly acceptable to say, “I don’t know,” or “I don’t remember.”
• Ask for clarification if you are confused. If you are asked a question and do not fully understand what they are asking, ask for clarification or for them to repeat the question.
• Remain calm. Being deposed is stressful, and a certain amount of anxiety or frustration is understandable. However, getting angry, shouting, or refusing to cooperate can harm your chances of a favorable outcome.

Let Our Personal Injury Attorneys Help You

If you were hurt in a car accident, you might be able to recover monetary damages. The personal injury statute of limitations is two years per CC Art. 3492, so getting started on your case as soon as possible is important.

Contact the personal injury attorneys at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for legal support throughout your case. We take cases on a contingency fee, and your initial consultation is free. Call us today to learn more about our services.