How to Prepare for a Deposition in an Alaska Personal Injury Case
Discovery is a big part of an Alaska personal injury case, but you can rely on your lawyer to handle the details with written discovery. Your input may only be necessary to clarify certain points with requests to admit facts, requests for the production of documents, and interrogatories. However, oral discovery – i.e., depositions – is a different matter. Alaska court rules covering accidents require you to appear for a deposition if the opposing side provides proper notice.
If you have never been involved in a legal matter before, you might be concerned about the deposition and what to expect during the process. Fortunately, your Anchorage personal injury attorney will also help you navigate the deposition and prepare you for success. Still, it is useful to review some tips on how to get ready.
Understand the Basics
Initially, it is important to know what will happen at the deposition, which is essentially a question-and-answer session. The opposing attorney will ask you about the accident, your injuries, and other details. Your job is to respond with facts that are within your knowledge. Your lawyer will also be present to support you, and there will be a court reporter to record the deposition.
Review Details of the Accident
You might think that all the specifics about the accident are embedded in your memory, but it is still a good idea to go over what happened. Look at the notes you took after the incident. Your attorney will work with you before the deposition, so take time to review this important information and any notes provided to you.
Dress Professionally
The deposition may not take place in court, but it is still a proceeding that carries formalities. Therefore, you should treat the session professionally and dress the part. Wear business casual attire. Make sure you are comfortable in your attire, as a deposition can take several hours.
Appreciate the Impact of a Sworn Oath
The deposition starts with the court reporter swearing you in and requesting that you attest to telling the truth. This is a significant formality to take seriously, as you are officially under oath once you agree. False or misleading statements could constitute perjury, for which there are penalties.
Prepare for Certain Questions
Make sure you know what to do when faced with specific questions:
- If you do not understand the question, ask for clarification or examples until you do.
- Never guess or provide information that is not within your personal knowledge.
- When you do not know the answer, state so in your response.
Our Alaska Personal Injury Lawyers Will Guide You Through Depositions
A deposition is your chance to tell your story with respect to the details of an accident, so proper preparation is important to ensure you support your claim at every turn. For more information on discovery in a personal injury case, please contact Power & Power Law. You can set up a complimentary case assessment at our offices in Anchorage, Alaska, by calling 907-222-9990 or checking out our website.