In a California personal injury case, the term deposition just refers to:
- A formal, recorded session where you give sworn testimony to a lawyer about your accident and injuries.
It’s part of the discovery process, which is when both sides gather information to understand the facts of the case. Because you’re under oath, anything you say can be used as evidence later in court.
Why Would I Need to Sit For a Deposition in a Personal Injury Case?
Sitting down for a deposition is something that’s going to happen in the vast majority of personal injury cases. And although it’s not designed to be intimidating, that’s exactly how it feels. But at least procedurally, it’s meant as a way to:
- Let the other side hear your account of the accident firsthand.
- Explain details from your medical records, bills, and other documents.
- Give the defense an opportunity to ask questions about your injuries, treatment, and daily life.
- Preserve testimony in case a witness can’t appear in court later.
- Help both sides evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the case before trial.
The good news is, you’re not going into a deposition alone. Our team is going to be with you the whole time, and we’ll make sure the questions are fair and you’re not badgered into saying something that hurts your case. More to the point, we’ll also make sure you’re prepared for it.
How Will Maison Law Prepare You For a Deposition?
Your deposition is one of the most important moments in your case. While discovery provides much of the evidence, the deposition is when the defense hears your story directly. It’s their first—and sometimes only—chance to see how you respond, which is why preparation is key. Here’s how we’ll prepare you:
- We start by explaining the process: who will be there, what types of questions to expect, how long it might take, and how it fits into your overall case. Next, we review the important details of your accident, your injuries, and your treatments so you feel confident and clear on what’s likely to come up.
- We also practice with you, going over questions and teaching you how to stay calm, listen carefully, and answer truthfully without offering more than necessary. We help you manage nerves and stay focused so you walk into the deposition feeling prepared.
- During the deposition, we’re by your side to protect your rights. We make sure the opposing lawyer’s questions are fair and step in if anything inappropriate or misleading comes up. Our goal is to keep you calm, confident, and in control.
At Maison Law, we guide you through every step of your California personal injury case, including depositions. We make sure you feel informed, supported, and ready to handle any questions while we manage the legal side. Reach out today for a free consultation and let us help you move your case forward.
