“What is a Deposition?” Lawyer Greg Stokes Explains
Once a lawsuit is filed, the attorneys for each side have the right to formally interview parties and witnesses. Each interview is recorded by a court reporter, and the person being interviewed is under oath to give true answers. The entire interview is called a deposition and the person’s answers are called testimony.
If we file an accident case for you as a victim, you will come to our office for your deposition. The attorney for the insurance company will interview you in our conference room, and your attorney – either Greg Stokes or Neil Kopitsky – will sit next to you to defend and protect you from any questions that are harassing or improper. You will be asked about what happened in the accident, and about your injuries. A court reporter will be there to take down your testimony.
Your deposition is the single most important thing that will happen in your case. The attorney for the insurance company will be asking you questions that he mostly knows the answers to, and he will be hoping that you leave out something when you answer.
If you then say anything different at trial, he will read from your deposition to show the jury you have changed or improved your testimony, making the jury doubt your claim. For that reason, you should not volunteer information at your deposition, but you should also answer every question truthfully, even if the answer is not flattering to you. The success of your case may depend on it.
At Stokes & Kopitsky, we have many years of experience in proving to insurance companies and courts that the injured persons we represent deserve payment for the harm they have suffered. We answer our phones 24/7 and offer a free first consultation. If we accept your case, we advance all costs, and our fees and costs are paid from the settlement or award we obtain for you. If we do not obtain a settlement or court award for you, there are no fees.
Please call Stokes & Kopitsky at 404-892-0011 for outstanding, caring legal help if you have been injured in an accident, or if your family member has been injured or died in an accident where another person was at fault. We can help you.
