If you are ever called on to give a deposition for a lawsuit that you have filed or that someone else has filed, here are four tips that will help you give an effective deposition.
#1 Review Information In Advance
If you know why you are being called and asked to give a deposition, it is in your best interest to review the information that you will be testifying about. For example, if you are testifying about an accident that happened at your workplace, re-read the accident statement that you wrote for your employer. Review any written information, date books, videos or photos you have that will help refresh your memory about the events you will be asked about. This will help ensure that you provide accurate information during the deposition and make it easier for you to answer the questions promptly.
#2 Practice Answering Questions
If you have a lawyer, see if you can schedule a session to go over practice questions for the deposition. This will help prepare you for the process and will make it easier for you to answer the questions when you are feeling under more pressure. If you get nervous when you are confronted or put on the spot, this will help ease your mind and make you feel more comfortable with the process.
#3 Take Your Time
When you get to the actual deposition, remember that there is no rush. Listen to the entire question that the personal injury attorney poses. It's okay to wait a few seconds before answering to ensure that the lawyer is done with their question and to give you a second to think about your response before you answer. If you didn't hear the question, you can ask the attorney to repeat the question. Or if the attorney's question confuses you, you can ask them to reword or clarify what they are asking. It is important that you understand the question being asked and take the time to truthfully respond.
#4 Look At Evidence
If you are asked to provide comments about a specific piece of evidence, such as a document, email, video, or any other type of evidence, ask to see the evidence. If it is in written form, read it. If it is a video or audio, watch and listen to it. Make sure that you really know what the evidence is before you answer any questions on it. It is okay if it takes you a little while to review the evidence; you want to make sure that you are able to provide truthful information and accurately answer any questions that are posed concerning the evidence in question.
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