If your personal injury case ends up in litigation, there will be a lengthy discovery process during which each party’s attorneys will work to uncover evidence and exchange information. Your Decatur personal injury attorneys will explain the procedural aspects of your case during your regular meetings.
Rules of Civil Procedure
Under the rules of civil procedure, litigants are permitted to request the production of any evidence relevant to any issue raised in the litigation regardless of whether that information is ultimately admissible in court (assuming there is not an attorney-client privilege attached).
Depositions are used in virtually every personal injury case. Deposition rules require that all testimony provided be under oath and recorded by a court reporter. Depositions provide an opportunity for parties to examine litigants and ask questions prior to the trial. This helps all parties involved prepare for what the witnesses are likely to say so as to avoid ambush at trial.
The Deposition
As a party to your personal injury case, you will undoubtedly be required to attend a deposition. Your Decatur personal injury attorneys are familiar with this process and will help you understand what to expect. The following pointers are helpful in any deposition process, including:
- Formalities: You should dress for your deposition like you are attending a job interview. Gentlemen should arrive in a suit and ladies should dress accordingly. Arrive early for your deposition and be prepared with knowledge about your case. Do not chew gum during your deposition, as it could hinder the court reporter from fully hearing what you are saying.
- Preparation: The best way to prepare for your deposition is to read your interrogatory answers and any other documents yourDecaturpersonal injury attorneys provide.
- Candor: You will be giving your answers under oath and you must always tell the truth when answering questions during a deposition. If you are unsure as to how to answer a question, it is better to say you do not know the answer than to make up an answer. Your deposition answers may be admissible later in your trial as a way to discredit you and expose inconsistencies in your testimony.
For more information about the civil litigation process, particularly depositions, contact Decatur personal injury attorneys McCarthy, Rowden & Baker at 800-373-6050.