How You Know Your Deposition Went Well
If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you know how overwhelming and stressful the aftermath can be. You may be dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and physical and emotional pain – and on top of all that, you face the daunting prospect of a legal battle.
If you opt to file a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve, the other side’s attorney will send you a notice that they want to take your deposition.
What’s a Deposition?
A deposition is a legal proceeding where you’ll be questioned under oath by the other side’s attorney to gather information for the case. The deposition will occur in an informal setting, often in the other attorney’s office. You, your lawyer, the other side’s lawyer, and the court reporter will be present. The court reporter will swear you in and take a transcription of everything everyone says during the deposition. The report will prepare a transcript later. Each attorney can obtain a copy to review the testimony.
How Should I Prepare for My Deposition?
So, how can you prepare for a deposition and ensure it goes well? Here are a few tips:
Most importantly, make sure you’re working with an experienced personal injury attorney. Your attorney will tell you what to expect during the deposition and explain the best way to answer questions. They’ll also be able to prepare you for any potential curveballs that may come your way.
Next, take the time to review your case and the information that’s been gathered so far. Be thoroughly familiar with the facts and details of the case so that you can answer questions accurately and confidently.
During the deposition itself, make sure you’re listening carefully to the questions being asked. Take your time in answering, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you’re not sure what’s being asked.
You can ask your attorney to have a mock deposition with you. They can ask you questions as if they’re the opposing attorney so you can get a feel for what it’s like to be questioned in a direct way about the accident. There could be moments when you’re uncomfortable or get flustered. Take a moment to refocus, take a deep breath, and answer calmly.
How Do I Know It Went Well?
Giving a deposition can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s also a crucial part of building your case. So, how can you tell if your deposition went well? Here are some key indicators to look out for:
Did you feel prepared and confident going into the deposition? Your attorney should have thoroughly briefed you on what to expect and how to answer questions. If you felt ready to face the questions head-on, that’s a great start. You should have a clear understanding of the process and what’s expected of you.
Did you pause before answering each question? If you took a moment before starting to talk to make sure you understood the question and to make sure you said only what you intended to say, you did well.
Did you provide clear, concise answers to the attorney’s questions? If you answered the questions completely without adding any additional information, that’s good.
Did you manage to stay calm and composed, even under pressure? If you didn’t get flustered or defensive during the questioning, that’s a great sign that you held your own.
Did you say “I don’t know” to questions whose answers you were unsure of? It’s perfectly okay to admit that you don’t know if the attorney asks you questions you can’t answer. You’re better off saying you don’t know than trying to make up an answer or guess what the best answer could be.
Were you truthful? You should never lie or exaggerate during your deposition. You’ll be giving your testimony under oath, and both attorneys will be scouring the transcript of your deposition for information they can use at trial. If you say one thing in your deposition and another thing to the insurance adjuster, your credibility can be questioned.
Was your attorney feel satisfied with your performance during the deposition? Your attorney will be able to give you feedback on how you did during the deposition and what you can expect going forward.
If you’re not sure how your deposition went, don’t be afraid to ask your attorney. Remember, your attorney is on your side, and they want to see you succeed. They’ll be able to give you a clear understanding of how the deposition went and what it means for your case.
Contact Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC Today
At Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC, we’re not just your attorneys. We’re your partners in the fight for justice. We understand how stressful and overwhelming a personal injury case can be, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured in the Chicagoland area in an accident that wasn’t your fault, don’t wait – call us today at 312-346-8620 for your confidential consultation. We’re here to help you get back on your feet and move forward with your life.