Depositions play a major role in personal injury lawsuits. Though taken out of court, a car accident deposition still serves as sworn testimony and will help your attorney to gather information as part of the discovery process.

This information can be used by your attorney as they negotiate settlements or, in certain circumstances, may be used in trial to prove your case and claim for financial compensation.

If you have never been deposed before, your probably wondering what questions you will be asked to answer. Here are a few topics and questions that may come up in a car accident deposition.

Background Questions About Yourself

• What is your name?
• What is your date of birth?
• What is your address?
• What education do you have?
• Where do you work and how much are you paid?
• Where have you worked over the past few years?
• Are you married and do you have kids?
• Do you have any health issues?
• Do you take medication, and, if so, what kinds?
• Can you describe your living situation?
• What doctors have you seen in the past ten years?
• Have you had any surgeries?
• Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
• Have you ever been involved in a civil lawsuit, either as a plaintiff or defendant?

Questions About the Car Crash

• When did the crash happen?
• What time was it when the crash occurred?
• What was the location of the crash?
• Where were you coming from and where were you traveling to?
• What was the weather like?
• What were the traffic conditions?
• How fast were you going?
• How fast was the other car traveling?
• Where there any traffic lights, stop signs, lane marking, or other traffic control devices?
• What areas of the vehicles collided?
• Did you speak to the other driver after the crash?
• If you did speak to the other driver, what was said?
• Did you or the other driver admit responsibility for causing the crash?
• What happened to your car after the crash?
• Do you have photos of the scene of the crash?
• Did you have a dash cam or other video recording devices when the crash occurred?
• Did you drink any alcohol in the 24 hours preceding the crash?
• Was a police report made?
• Were you on your phone or distracted at the time of the crash?

Questions About Your Injuries and Treatment

• What injuries did you suffer due to the crash?
• Did you have any pre-existing health conditions that were made worse by the crash?
• What doctors and medical providers have you seen for your injuries?
• What treatments have you received for your injuries?
• What symptoms did you have at the scene of the crash?
• When did you first seek medical care after the crash?
• What did you and your doctor discuss in your first visit?
• Did your symptoms improve or worsen over time?
• How much have you incurred in medical bills?
• Were there any gaps in your medical car? If so, why did you not go to treatment?
• Did your injuries cause you to miss work or lose income?
• How have your injuries affected your personal relationships?
• How have your injuries and damages affected your personal life?

How to Prepare for a Car Accident Deposition

Your attorney will help you prepare for your deposition. This process will include reviewing information about your crash as well as practicing how to frame your answers and how to conduct yourself while being deposed.

You and your attorney may also review documents pertaining to your treatment, injuries, medical history, work history, bills, and lost wages

What if I Don’t Know the Answers to All of These Questions?

As you and your attorney will discuss, it is essential that you answer all questions honestly and to the best of your ability. Remember, this is sworn testimony.

If you do not know the answer to a question, do not lie and do not guess. “I don’t know” or “I cannot recall” are perfectly acceptable answers if they are the truth. Accidents are hectic and happen quickly, it is reasonable that you would not be able to recall every detail of what occurred.

Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney?

If you were injured in a car accident, it is in your best interest to speak with a Dallas car accident lawyer about your options. Thomas J. Henry Law offers FREE Case Reviews to injured clients, and our attorneys are available 24/7 to assist you.

Do not wait. Call now and take the first steps towards protecting your rights.