Depositions are often an important part of a car accident case, particularly if a personal injury lawsuit has been filed against a liable party. However, many people do not understand the deposition process, and this can be a stressful experience. At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., our car accident attorneys in Philadelphia want to explore what depositions are and discuss how people can prepare for them properly.
While most car accident cases are settled through insurance carriers, there are times lawsuits are filed by victims so they can recover full compensation for their injury expenses. Part of the lawsuit process in these claims will be giving a deposition.
Depositions are sworn testimonies of witnesses given outside of the courtroom. Usually, depositions are given in-person at an attorney’s office. A deposition gives attorneys from both sides of the case the opportunity to question any witnesses with pertinent information related to the car accident. The injured victim (plaintiff), as well as the alleged at-fault party (defendant), will be questioned, as well as any other witnesses an attorney deems relevant to the case. Attorneys will pose various questions to those being deposed concerning the facts, details, and circumstances surrounding the car accident.
Anyone asked to submit a deposition will receive a notice, and it is important to understand that this is not optional. Depositions are given under oath and will be transcribed by a stenographer. Depositions are also frequently video recorded.
Depositions are an integral part of the car accident lawsuit process because they give witnesses the opportunity to tell their side of the story in an official recorded statement. Depositions give attorneys on both sides the ability to evaluate the weaknesses and strengths of their case, and make a decision about whether or not to advance forward to a trial or to try to work on a settlement.
In many cases, depositions significantly strengthen a plaintiff’s case, which could result in the defendant offering a substantial settlement. Even if depositions do not lead to a significant settlement offer, they still give the plaintiff’s attorney a chance to properly prepare for an impending trial.
Anytime injury victim is working with an attorney for their car accident case, their attorney will properly prepare them for the deposition. Their attorney will also be present with them at the deposition, and will be able to guide them through the entire process.
At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., we are dedicated to helping car accident injury victims secure the compensation they need. We pledge to investigate your case and work to determine liability in order to recover the following on your behalf:
When you need a car accident attorney in Philadelphia, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 866-597-8572.