After you are injured in an accident, you may find yourself filing a personal injury lawsuit. These lawsuits are not uncommon, but you may still find yourself asking questions. One of those questions may regard depositions. After all, most people will never be involved in the deposition process.
So, how can you prepare to give a deposition during your personal injury case? This is what you need to know.
Remember: You Aren't On Trial
One thing to remember about the deposition is that you are not on trial, and you are not being interrogated. This is the beginning step of filing your lawsuit, and the deposition is just part of gathering facts and information. Your attorney will advise you on the matter just so you can avoid saying anything that could damage your personal injury case. Your words may be videotaped or audio recorded.
Know that Depositions Can Last All Day
Often, depositions are long-lasting, though this depends on the complexity of your case. You may spend hours and hours answering questions on video, so you should know that you could spend a while with these attorneys. You may break for meals and return. You may even be asked to return on another day.
Bring Your Attorney
On the day of the deposition, you should make sure to bring your personal injury attorney. Your attorney will make sure that the questions asked of you are fair and legal. Your attorney may tell you that you do not have to answer certain questions, for example. This can help you avoid making a grievous error that could harm your case.
Dress the Same Way You Would Dress for Court
It is always a good idea to dress professionally, as you would in court. Your deposition may be videotaped, and the tape could be shown in court. Dressing casually could send the wrong message to a judge or jury invested in your personal injury case.
Be Ready to Tell the Truth
You also have to remember that lying about your case can lead you to trouble in the future as well. For example, a lie in a deposition could be contradicted by evidence presented in the court case, which can damage your reliability as a witness.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Finally, make sure that you hire a personal injury attorney so that you can understand the next steps. Your attorney will provide you with more insight as to how to prepare for the deposition. Make an appointment for a consultation today. For more information about working with a personal injury lawyer, contact a local law firm.
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