If you are involved in a personal injury case, you may be deposed by the other party. For most people, the deposition process is new and unfamiliar. If you have questions about an upcoming deposition, you should ask your attorney. You can also review our best deposition tips provided below.
If you are injured in a Las Vegas area car accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will help to protect your rights and ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Time is of the essence when pursuing compensation in car accident cases. Don’t delay—have our Las Vegas accident lawyers review your case. Sometimes people avoid contacting an accident lawyer because they worry about cost. You don’t have to worry about affordability. Our attorneys don’t get paid unless they win your case. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
What Is a Deposition?
Not all cases actually go to trial. However, many cases do engage in trial preparation. An important part of trial preparation is discovery. Discovery “is the formal process of exchanging information between the parties about the witnesses and evidence they’ll present at trial.” Discovery gives both parties the opportunity to learn about the evidence that will be presented at trial.
During discovery, parties often take depositions. A deposition is “an out-of-court statement given under oath by any person involved in the case.” In most instances, either party can take a deposition of the other party or any witnesses. If it is an oral deposition, both sides are allowed to be present.
Depositions are an important part of the discovery process. A deposition allows a party to know what a witness will say at trial. In some instances, a deposition can be used to discredit a witness during a trial if the witness’s deposition and trial testimony differ.
A deposition begins with the witness being sworn in. The witness is then usually asked to confirm their name. The attorney performing the deposition then explains the procedure for conducting the deposition. The attorney will then ask the person being deposed a series of questions. The opposing side then has the opportunity to cross-examine the person being deposed.
Once the deposition is complete, the court reporter will prepare a transcript of the deposition that will be sent to all parties involved. The parties will have the opportunity to review the transcript and make corrections as necessary. This does not mean that the parties can change what was said.
A deposition can be useful to both sides. It may bring to light new evidence and can often be a useful tool for settlement negotiations.
For a free legal consultation, call (702) 857-6000
Our Best Deposition Tips
If you are preparing for a deposition, read on for our best deposition tips.
1. Talk to Your Attorney
If you are a party to a personal injury lawsuit, you should have an attorney representing you. If you are getting ready for a deposition, the most important step you can take is to talk to your attorney. Your attorney should go over the deposition process. They will explain how the deposition starts and who else will be present. They may also go over the kinds of questions that opposing counsel will most likely ask. Your attorney may prepare you for the deposition by practicing asking and answering questions.
2. Get a Good Night’s Sleep and Eat a Healthy Meal
A deposition requires both time and focus. Your brain and body are at their best when they are well-rested and fed. Take care of yourself before your deposition. Try to arrive rested and fueled.
3. Arrive Early
Your attorney should advise you regarding what time you need to arrive for your deposition. They will most likely advise you to arrive early. This gives you and your attorney time to talk. It also gives you time to get comfortable, go to the bathroom, and grab a drink of water if necessary.
4. Take a Deep Breath
Once everyone has arrived, there may be some general matters that are addressed before the deposition begins. You should listen to what is being said and ask questions if you are unsure or don’t understand something. Take a deep breath and stay calm.
5. Take It Slow
Once the deposition begins, you should take it slow. Listen to the question being asked and pause…wait to answer. Allow your attorney time to object. If you don’t understand the question, ask the other side to rephrase it. Only then, once you understand the question and you have thought about your answer, should you answer the question.
6. Don’t Guess
It’s human nature for people to want to provide an answer when someone is asking them a question. If you don’t know the answer, it is okay to say, “I don’t know.” If you don’t remember something, it’s okay to say, “I don’t remember.” You want to make sure that you are answering truthfully and honestly and not providing information that you are assuming or that you think might have happened but you’re not sure. That is just going to harm your case.
7. Tell the Truth
You are under oath. It is the same oath you would take if you were in a court of law. You are legally obligated to tell the truth.
EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
If you are injured in a Las Vegas area car accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Some people wonder why they need a personal injury lawyer to help them. A personal injury lawyer will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Your choice of an accident lawyer is one of the most consequential decisions you will ever make. It’s important to select a Las Vegas attorney that can put you in the best position to win your case. That’s why you need to speak with Anthem Injury Lawyers. Get the best accident attorneys in Las Vegas fighting for you. Our experts offer you the best opportunity to win top compensation. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Call or text (702) 857-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
