In Bakersfield, people spend a lot of time driving. Some might be going to work, others heading out to the oil fields, or just running errands across town. Because of all this driving, car accidents happen pretty often, and when they do, there are usually a lot of questions, especially if they are pursuing a claim.
In Bakersfield, just like anywhere else, depositions help decide if a case should settle or move to a full trial. A competent Bakersfield car accident lawyer can guide you through the do’s and don’ts of a deposition.
Depositions might sound stressful, but think of them as your chance to tell your side of the story. Basically, this is where lawyers ask you questions to get the facts of what happened. You’ll be under oath, so your answers need to be truthful and accurate.
You’re probably wondering: What will they ask? How should I answer without making things more complicated? Don’t worry; let’s go over six common questions they might ask in a deposition after a car accident.
Can You Describe the Events Leading Up to the Accident?
This is usually one of the first questions. They’ll want to know where you were coming from, the route you took, and how the events unfolded up until the moment of the accident. Go step by step through what you remember, but stick to what you’re sure of.
You should describe where you were, what you were doing, and any specifics that you clearly remember. If you don’t recall a certain detail, it’s okay to say, “I don’t remember.” Don’t feel pressured to fill in gaps or guess anything.
Were You Distracted by Anything at the Time?
Bakersfield typically has its fair share of accidents caused by distractions, so don’t be surprised if the next question they ask is whether your focus was on the road at the time of the accident.
The main thing here is to be as honest as possible. If you were distracted, admit it, but be specific about what that distraction was and how briefly it occurred.
For example, “I looked at my GPS for a moment, but my focus was back on the road before the accident.” If you were not distracted, it’s fine to say, “No, I was paying full attention to the road.”
Can You Explain Any Injuries You Suffered from the Accident?
Your lawyers will want details about any injuries you’ve had because of the accident. This includes physical injuries, medical treatments, and whether these injuries are still affecting you now. They’re trying to understand how the accident impacted you, both physically and in your day-to-day life.
Mention any treatments you’re receiving or have received. Be honest if something is getting better or still bothers you, and make sure you’re as descriptive as possible. Showing medical evidence, such as a doctor’s report, will even help your case more.
What Damage Was Done to Your Vehicle?
Just describe the damage you know about, whether it was minor or major. If you had to repair or replace parts, explain what was done.
For example, you might say, “The left side was damaged, and I had to replace the door and get the suspension fixed.” You don’t need to add extra details; just stick to what’s in the repair records.
Have You Had Any Prior Accidents or Injuries?
They’ll probably ask if you’ve had any other accidents or injuries before this one. This isn’t meant to pry but to see if anything from the past could be affecting you now. They’re trying to figure out if any old injuries might have been made worse by this accident.
If you’ve had any accidents or injuries, you have to let them know. Don’t hide anything, even if you think it’s not a big deal. It’s important for them to have a complete picture of your health history, so they can provide the best possible care.
How Has the Accident Affected Your Life?
This is a more open-ended question, so it’s okay to share details here. Maybe the accident made it hard for you to work, limited your physical activity, or some form of created emotional stress. Just be genuine and specific when you talk about them.
Source: Jacoby & Meyers, Injury Lawyers, California
