If you file an injury claim after a car accident, you may be deposed during the discovery phase, in which both parties gather as much information about the case as possible. In a deposition, you provide testimony under oath regarding the events of the accident, with the questions typically being asked by the attorney for the opposing party.
The following are a few things to expect during the deposition phase of a car accident claim:
- Who gets deposed? In addition to the people involved in the accident, others may be asked to give depositions, including expert witnesses, medical providers, people who saw the accident occur and police officers who responded to the scene.
- What procedures are involved in a deposition? During a deposition, you swear to tell the truth and face perjury if it’s discovered you lied. Any testimony provided in a deposition could be introduced at trial, if one occurs. You will be given advance notice of where and when the deposition takes place. The attorney will typically ask general questions about the accident, such as the time, date and day, the exact location it happened, the weather conditions, the state of nearby traffic control devices and the traffic conditions at the time.
- What else could you be asked about? The plaintiff, defendant and witnesses will all be asked about what they observed at the accident and how it happened. These questions help determine who was at fault. If you were injured, you might also be asked about medical treatment you receive and any other damages you suffered.
To learn more about the deposition process and anything else related to a personal injury claim, contact an experienced Bradenton auto accident attorney with Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.