If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident and a lawsuit has been filed, you may be required to complete a deposition. Whether you are a witness, an injured victim, or the defendant, this oral testimony is your opportunity to solidify the facts of the case and tell your side of the story.
Deposition questioning can be extensive and it is important to have your attorney(s) prep you before the deposition date for the best possible outcome. Luckily, attorney’s tend to ask similar questions in car accident depositions so you can do your own research to what may be asked of you. Here are topics that may be covered and why.
Preliminary Questions
Preliminary questions will typically be the first types of questions to be asked. Depositions are taken under sworn oath and these questions will help the deponent and attorney know the implications of testimony under sworn oath as well as put their understanding on the record. A few examples of preliminary questions are-
- Do you understand that you are under sworn oath?
- Are you prepared to answer my questions today?
- Are you taking any medications that may prevent you from answering my questions?
- Etc.
These types of questions are a formality and are straightforward. It is no secret that depositions can be nerve wracking. Because of the uncomplicated nature of these questions, they may help put the deponent at ease.
Background Questions
The next topic to be covered will be a series of identification and general background questions. These are also fairly easy going and undemanding of the deponent. Questions that fall under this category may cover educational background, medical history, family background, and other personal background information. These questions are similar in their easy nature to the preliminary questions and help ease the deponent into the deposition.
How the Accident Happened
Eventually, questions regarding the events of the car accident will be asked. These questions can be extremely specific and extensive. These questions are meant to solidify the facts and they may be used later in trial for evidence so it is important to stay sharp. These questions may ask you to answer:
- Time, day, and location of the accident
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Traffic conditions
- How fast your car was going
- Where on the road did the cars collide
- What kind of repairs and the cost
Injury Related Questions
If you are the plaintiff in the lawsuit, you will be asked about the injuries you sustained as a result of the accident. Similar to the questions regarding how the accident occurred, these questions are specific and detail oriented. Questions may include:
- What injuries do you believe were a result of the accident?
- Did you have any previous injuries that may have been aggravated by the accident?
- Did you miss any work as a result?
- What were your symptoms at the scene? What were they over time?
- How have these injuries impacted your work and personal life?
- What type of medical treatment did you pursue?
Other topics may be covered during a deposition and some questions asked may be unique to your case. Disclosing too much information may hurt your case. As mentioned above, it is critical to arrive prepared and remain honest as this testimony may be used during a trial phase. We are experienced in all types of personal injury cases and will help you navigate your deposition for the best possible outcome. Feel free to contact us for a free consultation on your case at 480.269.1083 or email us at info@leonlawpllc.com.