A deposition is a question-and-answer session that serves as out-of-court testimony in a case. In personal injury cases, depositions are used to get information about the case and the perspectives of the parties. Deposition testimony can be used in court, so depositions are not to be taken lightly. If you are asked to appear for a deposition, you should be well prepared to handle it.
In a Maryland personal injury case, it is important to prepare for your deposition testimony with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Having the right legal advice can help you avoid mistakes and use your deposition to advance the case in your favor. The attorneys at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers in Baltimore are here to help you understand the deposition process and how it fits into your case. Call our law office today at (410) 837-2144 to schedule a free consultation.
Below, we’ll discuss what you should know about depositions in a personal injury case.
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Do I Have to Attend My Deposition?
A deposition is usually scheduled by the attorney for one of the parties in a personal injury case. If the other side seeks to bring you in for a deposition, you will receive a Subpoena and Notice of Deposition. This will state when and where to appear for your deposition. Receiving this type of notice can seem scary or intimidating–especially if you’ve never been to a deposition.
The deposition is an important part of a personal injury case. Depositions also give you the chance to tell your side of the story and explain what happened. Besides missing the chance to talk about your case, skipping a deposition can cause you to be found in contempt of court. If you’ve been properly served with notice of a deposition, you must attend. If the date and time doesn’t work for you, your attorney can reach out to reschedule your deposition for a different day.
What Questions Will I Be Asked at a Deposition?
Depositions normally take place at the law office for either attorney representing a party. You may be required to go to the office of the defendant’s attorney for your deposition. The purpose of a deposition is to get information about you and the facts of the case. Questions you could be asked include:
- Personal information. You’ll be asked basic information such as your name, age, where you live, and what you do for a living. You could also be asked about your employment history, medical history, legal history, and other details that might be relevant to your case. If the other attorney oversteps and asks questions they shouldn’t, your attorney will object to the questions.
- Details about the accident. Since the other side will be disputing how the accident happened, you will be asked about your involvement. Specifically, defense lawyers will ask questions designed to show your own responsibility for the incident. They will try to get you to change your story, misstate the facts, and otherwise slip up when telling your story. For these reasons, it is important to be well-prepared and have an experienced attorney by your side.
- Details about your injuries. You will be asked questions in a way designed to downplay your injuries. It is human nature to tell people we feel better than we really do or that an injury is no big deal. A deposition is not the time to say any of that. You want to be honest and open about the serious impacts your injuries have had on your life.
- Details about your life since the accident. Some questions will be geared toward your life after the accident – such as your ability to return to work, any long-term injuries, or mental health struggles due to the accident. A defense lawyer will try to make you say your life is back to normal and your injuries weren’t as devastating as they truly are. In a deposition, you’ll need to be clear about how your injuries have truly affected your ability to get your life back on track.
The opposing attorney will ask questions aimed at gathering facts, challenging your claims, and minimizing the impact of your injuries. Being well-prepared and open about the accident’s true effects is crucial, and having an experienced attorney by your side ensures your rights are protected throughout.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me With a Deposition?
Being summoned to a deposition is a nerve-wracking prospect for anyone. It helps to have trustworthy legal counsel at your side to prepare and handle the deposition. Our experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyers will help you in the following ways:
- Explain how the deposition process works, what you’ll likely be asked, what to expect, and how to handle tricky questions during the deposition.
- Use practice questions to prepare you for a deposition. Your lawyer will know the questions another attorney will ask you based on the facts and theory of your case. When sitting for a deposition, it is crucial to take your time, answer only the question being asked of you, keep your focus, and avoid mistakes. Our attorneys will prepare you to avoid traps set by defense attorneys.
- Showing you how to shine during a deposition. This often includes having the right levels of honesty, etiquette, attitude, and appearance.
With skilled legal support, you can feel more secure and prepared, helping to strengthen your case.
Can I Make the Other Party Sit for a Deposition?
Your personal injury lawyer can require the other party and witnesses to sit for depositions as well. Just as you can be subpoenaed for a deposition, the other party can be called in, too. Your lawyer will know when to set up a deposition for the defendant and what questions to ask in order to advance your case.
A Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Whether you’ve already been subpoenaed for a deposition or have questions about the process, a Baltimore personal injury lawyer can help. At any stage of a personal injury case, the dedicated injury lawyers at WGK Personal Injury Lawyers are here to fight for you and the compensation you deserve. Contact our law office at (410) 837-2144 to schedule your free consultation today.
