If you have to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver who caused your auto collision, you will most likely have your deposition taken. A deposition is a question-and-answer session where you would give answers under oath to questions by the attorney for the other driver and his insurance company. Your answers would be transcribed into a document that could be used in settlement negotiations, at court hearings, and at your trial.
Your deposition is an important part of the discovery phase of your case where you and the attorneys for the insurance company obtain information—both helpful and harmful—to their case so that they can prepare for a trial. To ensure that your deposition goes well and strengthens your claim against the negligent driver, it is a good idea to understand the types of questions you will be asked.
Background Information Questions
The first questions you would be asked would be about your personal background, family situation, education, employment, and prior injuries. You could be questioned about the following:
- Your address and age
- Your residential address over the last five to ten years
- Your education, degrees, and training you received after leaving school
- Your family, including your marital status, who you live with, and the number of children you have
- Your current employment, duties, income, and length of employment and similar information for prior jobs
- Your criminal record
- Any lawsuits and claims you filed in the past and the outcome in these cases
- Other injuries and medical conditions you suffered before the accident, treatments you received, and doctors who cared for you
Details of Your Accident
The next set of questions will probably focus on how your auto collision occurred. You could be asked about the following:
- What was the date, time, and place of the accident?
- Where were you coming from and where were you going?
- What were the traffic conditions where your collision occurred?
- What were weather conditions like?
- What were you and the other driver doing when the accident occurred? You should also expect specific questions, such as about the speed of the vehicles, when you first noticed the vehicle that hit you, and where the vehicles struck each other.
- How was your body affected during the crash?
- What was the physical damage to each vehicle?
- Did you speak to the other driver after the crash? What was said?
- Were there witnesses to the accident?
- Do you have any photos or diagrams of the collision scenes?
- Had you consumed alcohol or drugs in the 24 hours prior to your accident?
Information About Your Injuries and Treatments
You will also be questioned about your injuries and how they have affected your ability to work and the quality of your life. You should be prepared to answer questions about:
- Injuries you suffered
- Symptoms you experienced at the time of the crash and over time
- Any medical conditions made worse by the accident
- Doctors who have treated you
- Diagnostic tests performed
- Treatments you have received
- Any gaps in your medical care
- Medical bills you received
- Your future medical treatments and prognosis
- How long you have been off work and when you expect to return to your job
- Wages you have lost and will lose in the future
- How your injuries have affected your day-to-day activities, relationships, and quality of life
At Tavss Fletcher, our experienced car accident lawyers would thoroughly prepare you for your deposition so that you know what to expect and how to answer the questions you are asked. Find out more about how we will fight for the compensation you deserve at a free consultation. Call our Norfolk office to schedule your appointment today.
|
Related Links: |