If you have been injured through no fault of your own, you are likely seeking money damages for your accident. You may be entitled to collect compensation for your medical expenses, personal property damage, lost wages, your pain and suffering and more. A key component in the personal injury process is a deposition, which is a meeting of all interested parties. The deposition comes after you have filed suit, but before your actual trial begins. Part of trial preparation, the deposition is considered discovery, which allows both sides to gather more information and get an preview of what might be faced at trial. Read to learn more about what happens at a deposition.

1.  Depositions allow both sides to question all interested parties about the accident. In many instances, the evidence and testimony presented at a deposition are strong and convincing enough that a settlement offer is presented to the plaintiff (you) after the deposition, with no need to go to trial.

2.  While a deposition is not as formal as a trial in court, you will still be questioned under oath, and you can be prosecuted for lying at a deposition.

3.  You can best prepare for being questioned at a deposition by refreshing your memory of events connected to the accident. If you have been keeping a journal, your dedication and organization will now be paid off. Take some time to also review police reports, photos of the accident scene and your medical records.

4.  A deposition is structured similarly to court, with attorneys asking questions of witnesses. Since there is no judge present, any objections raised by attorneys are simply noted in the record. A court reporter will be present and videotaping of the proceedings is common.

5.  Make sure that you have been completely honest and forthright with your attorney about not only the accident, but also your financial and criminal background. Give your attorney the opportunity to be prepared for questions about your background from the other side.

6.  You and your attorney can view the deposition as a practice session for an actual court appearance. Your attorney will be able to help you relax, answer questions properly and be ready for trial, if necessary.

7.  Reluctant witnesses may be forced to appear at a deposition by use of a subpoena, just as in court.

A deposition can be nerve-racking experience, but with your attorney by your side, you have every opportunity to be successful by showcasing your strong case against the defendants. If you have not already done so, contact a personal injury attorney today to get the compensation you deserve.

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