Deposition Preparation Guide For Your California Personal Injury Testimony

Maison Law helps you through the claims process after you’ve been injured in California.

This can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Our team will be by your side every step of the way–not just during the deposition but also beforehand, making sure you’re fully prepared.

If you want to learn more about how we can help, contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Will You Need to Be Deposed in an Accident Claim?

When you file a lawsuit, you open yourself up to the discovery process. This is the formal part of the legal process where both sides exchange information through written questions, requesting documents, and getting testimony about what happened. The main way that the other side gets testimony from you that they can then use is by “deposing” you in a deposition. When you sit for a deposition, you’re under oath, meaning anything you say can be used as evidence. Generally, though, the deposition process is in place to:

Learn about your side of what happened – The opposing lawyers want to hear your version of events, including how the accident happened, the injuries you’ve suffered, and the impact it has had on your life. This helps them understand your perspective and prepare their defense.
See how truthful you are – A deposition allows the other side to see how truthful, consistent, and reliable you are. If your case goes to trial, your credibility as a witness could play a big role in the outcome.
Evaluate the strength of your case -The defense uses depositions to uncover details that might support their arguments or challenge your claim. At the same time, it gives them a chance to see how strong your case is based on your responses.
Create a video record – Everything you say in a deposition is recorded and can be used later in court. This ensures there’s a clear record of your statements, which can support or challenge arguments during trial.

While being deposed can feel intimidating, it’s a standard part of the claims process. With our guidance and preparation, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to handle the questions, and will make sure your case is protected.

How Do We Prepare You for Your Deposition?

Obviously, your deposition is going to be a crucial part of how your case plays out. While discovery is going to provide the bulk of the evidence that’s going to potentially be used in a trial, being deposed is a way for everyone to get a picture of you–It’s the only time the defense lawyers see you and are able to see how you handle their questions. Since it’s such a critical part of the process, we take extra care to make sure you’re ready by:

Explaining the process – We’ll start by breaking down what a deposition is and how it works. You’ll learn who will be there, what types of questions to expect, and how this fits into your overall case. We make sure you know what your role is, how long it might take, and what happens next so there are no surprises.
Reviewing the key details – Next, we’ll go over the important facts of your case, such as how the accident happened, the injuries you’ve suffered, and the treatments you’ve received. This helps you feel confident about the details that are likely to come up during questioning. We’ll review timelines, specific events, and any other critical points the opposing lawyer might focus on.
Practicing with you – Our lawyers will work with you to rehearse the types of questions you’re likely to hear. We’ll teach you how to stay calm, listen carefully, and answer clearly and truthfully without providing unnecessary information. By practicing these skills, you’ll feel more confident and ready to handle even the toughest questions.
Helping you stay calm – We know depositions can feel overwhelming, so part of our job is helping you stay relaxed. We’ll talk through any concerns or nerves you might have and offer strategies for staying calm and focused. You’ll walk into the deposition feeling supported and ready.
Protecting you during the actual deposition – During the deposition itself, we’re there to protect your rights. We make sure the opposing lawyer’s questions are fair, and we’ll object if they ask anything inappropriate or misleading. You can count on us to step in if the other side tries to pressure or take advantage of you.

We’ll make sure you’re fully prepared for your deposition so you feel confident and in control. Staying calm, polite, and honest is important—it strengthens your case and shows the defense you’re ready for trial if needed. With our support, you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.

Get Help From Maison Law in a Personal Injury Case in California

At Maison Law, our experienced team of personal injury lawyers in California is here to help you every step of the way. We’ve helped many clients with their cases, and we know how to prepare you for important steps, like your deposition. We’ll make sure you feel confident and ready to answer questions, so you’re protected throughout the process. Contact us today for a free consultation.