If you’re being asked to make a deposition in California and you’ve never given one before, then you’re likely curious about what to expect and how to handle it. Of course, you should consult with your personal injury attorney so they can provide you insight into your individual case, but here are a few general tips provided by Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas.
Your eight main guidelines during the deposition
If you read nothing else in this blog, read these eight things you should do at every deposition. They will serve as your guidelines and cover almost everything you need to know.
- Always tell the truth.
- Listen closely to the questions being asked of you so that you don’t inadvertently answer a question in a way you don’t mean to.
- If you don’t understand the question, as the person asking it to clarify. Do not answer a question unless you understand it.
- Don’t volunteer information. You do want to answer their questions unless your attorney tells you not to, but you don’t want to volunteer information – even if you’re positive that it will help your case.
- Take your time. It’s not a race. Pause to reflect when you need to. Take a deep breath.
- Don’t ever guess at the answer. If you’re not sure, then say you’re not sure.
- Don’t exaggerate. Just stick to the facts.
- If you need to qualify your answer, do it.
If you listen to the questions, answer them completely, and don’t volunteer additional information, then you’ll likely be in good shape. Don’t be afraid to ask the attorney who’s questioning you a follow-up question if you need to better understand the information. The most damaging thing you can do is to get caught in a lie, but the second most damaging is giving information that wasn’t asked for. Answer the questions as concisely as you can.
Remember that you don’t have to have all the answers
“I don’t know,” or “I don’t remember,” are perfectly acceptable answers if they’re true. Your job is to tell the truth and if you don’t know the answer or you don’t remember, then that’s okay. Never guess at the answer. Never say something because you think it’s what someone wants to hear or because you’ve heard other people give the “right” answer.
For example, if you were in a truck accident and you’re asked how far away you were from other vehicles, don’t guess. If you know, then answer the question. If you don’t, then say you’re not sure.
You should always have an attorney on your side
Any time you’re being asked to give a deposition, you should have an attorney on your side. If you’ve been injured in an accident then Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas invites you to call us today for your free case evaluation.
