Do I Need To Testify During A Car Accident Lawsuit?

Q: Will I Need To Testify During A Car Accident Injury Lawsuit?

A: Whether you will need to testify during your car accident lawsuit will depend on whether you have to go to trial and whether depositions are conducted during the discovery phase. Typically, if you are deposed and your case goes to trial, you and your lawyer will need to decide if it is in your best interest to testify in court.

What Are Depositions?

Depositions are hearings held before trials in locations outside of court. During these hearings, a court reporter will be present along with both lawyers and some witnesses. The people who have been deposed will be sworn under oath and will give testimony. The attorneys for both sides will be able to question the people who are deposed.

What Happens If I Am Deposed?

If you are deposed, you will give testimony, and the defense lawyer will be able to cross-examine you. Your lawyer will object to certain questions that you are asked to preserve the objections for trial.

Do I Have To Testify In Court After A Car Accident Injury?

If your case goes to trial, you and your lawyer will need to determine whether it is in your best interest to testify. Testimony is a type of evidence at trial that is evaluated by the jury for credibility to help the jury members to understand what happened. As a party to the lawsuit, the evidence that you can provide with your testimony is highly relevant.

Should I Be Worried About Testifying In Court?

Your lawyer will work with you to prepare you if your testimony is important to the outcome of your case. Before you take the stand, you must make sure that you know what you will be testifying about.

If hiring a reputable car accident injury firm such as Zukerberg & Halperin, your attorney will help coach you through all potential questions, appropriate responses, and make sure you feel comfortable with the entire process before ever taking the stand.

It is very important to our car accident attorneys that you are okay with every step of the process, even if it may seem daunting at first. Your best bet is to simply keep your story consistent and tell the truth about your car accident injuries.

Should The Deposition Match The In-Court Testimony

Yes. The deposition testimony that you gave will be used to compare what you said during a deposition to what you say at trial. If your story changes, your credibility will be called into question.

If Deposed, Will I Definitely Need To Testify In Court?

Not necessarily, as it is possible a settlement may be reached beforehand. If your case is resolved through settlement before a deposition or a trial occurs, you will not be required to testify under oath.