How Do You Know If Your Deposition Went Well?
Once you file a personal injury lawsuit, you are likely to be called in for a deposition. A deposition refers to a formal hearing where, as a witness or an interested party in the lawsuit, you are questioned under oath by an opposing attorney. A deposition can be nerve-racking, primarily because the questions the attorney asks you can be used later in the case, as well as assessing your testimony and credibility in case you are a witness. However, you don’t have to be overwhelmed since your attorney will prepare you beforehand for the questions and give you feedback on how it went.
Knowing how a deposition went is essential as it reveals how the opposing attorney views your credibility and highlights areas that you could improve on in preparation for trial while also providing critical insights into how strong your case is and the likely outcome. This article offers some insights into determining if your deposition went well.
You Were Consistent in Your Answers
The opposing attorney may have tried to ask similar questions differently to see if your answers align with what you gave previously in statements and evidence. If you remained consistent despite any attempts by the opposing attorney to confuse you, this indicates that your deposition went well.
The Opposing Attorney Didn’t Ask Too Many Follow-up Questions
If the opposing attorney seems content with your answers and doesn’t ask further questions, it could be a sign that they found your testimony credible and consistent.
The Opposing Attorney Didn’t Object to Too Many of Your Statements
Another good sign that your deposition went well is if there weren’t frequent objections from the opposing attorney. This is because a lack of many objections may signify that the attorney saw no significant issues with your statements, reinforcing the perception that your testimony is credible and consistent.
You Didn’t Speculate
During a deposition, it is perfectly fine if you say you do not remember or do not know. Instead of guessing, leaving the opposing attorney to present evidence supporting their claim is best. For instance, in a car accident case, if you’re unsure whether it was sunny or cloudy but know it wasn’t raining, it’s appropriate to say, “It was not raining, but I don’t remember if it was sunny or cloudy.” By saying this, you ensure that you don’t hurt your credibility. If you handled questions that you were uncertain of this way, your deposition likely went well.
You Remained Calm and Professional
A deposition can be stressful, especially with many questions thrown at you and many people observing and taking notes. If you maintained your composure even under all the pressure, this is a strong indicator that your deposition went smoothly.
Your Lawyer Is Satisfied With Your Answers
After the deposition, your attorney will likely provide feedback on your performance. If they appear satisfied and raise no significant concerns, it’s a good indication that you were well-prepared and performed well.
Contact The Pendas Law Firm
If you have questions about your upcoming deposition or have a personal injury case, our West Palm Beach attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you prepare adequately and protect your rights.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, Daytona Beach, Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
