A deposition may shed light on additional facts or witnesses. Here is a summary of the deposition process and what happens next in a car accident case.
You will generally have to be a part of the deposition process if you have filed a car accident claim in a regular civil court. It is a part of the pre-trial process. In this process, you have to testify under oath about how the accident happened and what kinds of injuries were sustained.
What Is the Process of Deposition?
The deposition process is a face-to-face question-answer session that a lawyer schedules to gain insight into the case from the witness’ point of view. Depositions are procedure-driven and may vary from state to state.
Who Can Be Made a Witness for Deposition?
People from the parties responsible for filing lawsuits, including the plaintiffs, defendants, and their employees, may be witnesses in the deposition process. To inform a party of the deposition, a notice is generally sent to the party or their lawyer.
Where Does the Deposition Occur?
Depositions usually take place with the lawyer who was responsible for scheduling the deposition in the first place. It can generally occur in the lawyer’s office, conference room in the courthouse, or a public building.
What Is the Role of the People Present There?
From the party who claimed the lawsuit, the witness for testifying and his lawyer are present at the deposition. Along with them, the lawyer who scheduled the deposition and a stenographer for reporting events is present. You, as the witness, will have to answer all the questions posed to you honestly under oath. Your lawyer will ensure that all answers you give are meaningful and all lawful procedures are followed. He may object to any improper questions to protect your rights. The stenographer is responsible for administering the oath during deposition and preparing notes in the transcript. Any other parties present observe but do not actively participate.
How Much Does a Deposition Cost?
The stenographer generally charges a fee. This is usually based on the number of pages in the transcript. The experts who have been called for witness purposes also generally charge for their time. The scheduler is typically responsible for paying for the time. Other witnesses, however, are not usually entitled to a fee.
What Can Be Expected From a Deposition?
The verbatim transcript developed by the reporter is the result of deposition. It contains typed questions and answers.
“How Can I Prepare for Deposition?”
Go over the accident scene and discuss the probable questions with your lawyer. Prepare notes of the day of the accident. Read about different questions which may be posed to you. Your car accident attorney will help you understand the different aspects of the procedure.
What Happens After the Deposition?
The discovery process generally continues after a deposition. Further details and witnesses may come to light due to a deposition in a car accident case. As a result, the lawyers involved in the case often need to investigate, follow up on new information, and even depose more witnesses.
Contact Christopher S. Hoffmann
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a car accident in Missouri, contact The Hoffmann Law Firm. With 25 years of experience, Christopher Hoffmann works exclusively with car accident injury claims.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!
Free Consultation (314) 361-4242