If I Have a Car Accident Lawyer, Why Do I Have to Give a Deposition?

Have you been injured in a car crash caused by a careless driver? Did another driver choose to text while driving or drive at a reckless speed? Did a truck driver cause a collision after driving without enough rest or sleep? Are you suffering because a drunk driver pulled out in front of your motorcycle? Have you missed work because of a pedestrian accident or bicycle crash? Regardless of how you were injured, you need an experienced car accident lawyer to protect your best interests and your legal right to a full compensation of your damages.

Big insurance companies do everything to avoid paying settlement claims. Insurance companies employ teams of professionals who investigate accident claims to find ways to mitigate liability. You need an experienced car accident attorney on your side who understands how insurance companies work. Gordon Levinson of The Levinson Law Group worked for some of the largest insurance companies in America. He learned how these companies avoid paying insurance claims. This experience has given him a unique advantage over other personal injury attorneys.

Put a former insurance company lawyer on your side. For your free consultation, call(760) 642-5475 today. We accept cases on a contingent fee. That means that if there is no recovery in your case you pay no fee. And in most cases, we even advance the costs.

Tips for a Successful Car Accident Deposition

Many car accident claims settle out of court. If possible, your car accident lawyer will settle the insurance claim without filing a lawsuit because settling a claim is often the most efficient means of getting you the compensation you need. However, when an insurance company refuses to work with an accident victim in a fair manner, a car accident lawyer will advise his client to file a personal injury lawsuit.

After a lawsuit is filed, you may be required to answer questions under oath for the other side. This is called a deposition. If you are required to give a deposition in your car crash case, our car accident lawyer prepares you for the deposition. However, below are general tips for anyone giving a deposition.

• Remain Calm and Listen to the Questions. It is natural to feel a little nervous when you are being questioned by an attorney under oath. Try to remain calm so you can focus on the questions the attorney asks. It is important that you listen to each question so you can provide a correct response that is accurate.
• Only Answer the Question Being Asked – Do not volunteer information that is not being requested. Think before you provide each response. Provide the information requested, then stop speaking.
• Ask for Clarification – If you do not understand the question, ask the attorney to rephrase the question or clarify the question. Never answer a question that you do not completely understand.
• Speak Clearly – A court reporter is recording the deposition so he or she can transcribe the deposition. Speak clearly for the court reporter. Avoid using phrases such as “uh huh” and “nah” and responding with head nods or head shakes.
• Ask for Breaks – If you need a drink or to use the restroom, ask for a break. You are entitled to take a break if needed. Breaks keep you focused rather than thinking about being thirsty or needing to use the restroom.
• Never Guess – If you do not know the answer to a question, state you do not know the answer. Never guess or estimate when responding to a question unless your attorney advises you to do so.

Your car accident lawyer attends the deposition with you, but he is unable to answer questions for you or give you advice on how to respond to a question. Your car accident lawyer will object to any question that is not permitted by law. He also protects you from being abused or treated unfairly during your deposition.