Los Angeles Auto Accidents: Common Deposition Questions
After a Los Angeles car accident claim has been filed, a part of the pre-trial litigation process involves discovery proceedings. During the discovery process, one of the ways in which information is exchanged is by conducting depositions. Depositions involve “deposing” the Plaintiff, the Defendant, and any potential witnesses in a formal legal proceeding where questions are asked, and sworn statements are given as answers to the questions. The purpose of depositions is to essentially get everyone’s side of the story in anticipation of litigation, with the understanding that any statements made can be used and submitted as evidence at trial, as well as serving a basis for any questioning in court by auto accident attorneys on both sides. Since the deposition is not an actual trial, a neutral location, usually an attorney’s office is chosen as the venue upon which to conduct the deposition. The individuals who are typically involved in a deposition are lawyers for the Plaintiff who filed the claim after the Los Angeles car crash, lawyers for the Defendant, a court reporter who will type up a transcript and/or create an audio or video recording of the questioning, and the person who is in fact being deposed.
When preparing for a deposition, keep in mind the following:
- As with everything in life, preparation is key. Before you arrive at your deposition, consult with your Los Angeles car accident attorney about what to expect before you get there. Go over any questions you have, talk about questions to expect from the opposing side, and of course, practice questions and answers that your lawyer will ask of you. If there is any kind of documentation, whether by you or by official reports, about the facts of the accident, make sure you review them so that you are familiar with them before any one questions you.
- Remember basic rules of conduct such as showing up on time. Even though this is not a courtroom trial yet, it is still a formal legal proceeding. Since depositions can go very long, it is advisable to bring a snack with you. You don’t want to give vague answers, or have a memory lapse simply because you were hungry or didn’t have the energy to think as clearly as possible.
- Make sure you “dress the part.” Imagine you are going to court and dress the way you would dress in that situation. Formal is best, but nothing less than semi-formal. Remember that you may be videotaped and even appearances can have a bearing on how you are perceived by a jury, a judge, and even the attorneys who are questioning you.
- It’s always good to have some cash on hand in case you need to buy some food or park your car in a lot that charges.
- Come alone. Bringing others, besides your car accident lawyer, will only lengthen the proceedings, and possibly lend unintended effects on how you are perceived.
- Most importantly, be honest. Your lawyer will protect you if there are any tricky questions. Do not feel the need to maneuver around anything, or explain things in a way that exaggerate or slightly modify the facts. All you need to is tell the truth. Your Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will handle any obstacles that arise.
With regard to the facts of the accident, you may have to divulge some personal information such as your driving history, medical history, any previous legal proceedings you may have been a party to, any criminal record you may have, and of course, all of the facts of the accident that you are able to remember. If any questions seem unfair or hostile, it is not your job to dodge such questions. Answer honestly unless instructed to not answer by your car accident lawyer. Your lawyer will object and protect you from answering any questions that unfairly paint a negative picture of you.
Because a deposition is a formal legal proceeding, knowing you will take part in one can be an intimidating prospect. As long as you have a great personal injury lawyer or Los Angeles car accident attorney at your side, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. The Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at California Attorney Group are highly skilled and experienced professionals who will help you and protect you through every stage of the litigation process. Contact the California Attorney Group today at their toll free number- (866) 650-0505 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (866) 650-0505 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
