If you have been injured because of another person’s negligent actions, it’s imperative that you speak with the attorneys of Bowles & Verna LLP. Our Walnut Creek, CA lawyers have helped countless clients in catastrophic personal injury lawsuits, whether seeking settlements or going to trial. Attorneys Richard T. Bowles and Michael P. Verna are here to help you.
Taking depositions is essential in preparing for a personal injury case. Let’s cover the basics of depositions, the role they play, and why working with skilled attorneys is essential for legal success.
What Is a Deposition?
Depositions refer to sworn witness testimony that are taken outside of court prior to a trial. These interviews with witnesses may be conducted in a legal office, a conference room, or elsewhere as needed.
The witness testimony is transcribed so that it may be referenced by attorneys. This written transcript plays a key role both in the lead up to a trial and during the actual witness testimony as the trial takes place.
Why Depositions Are Essential for Cases
Depositions play a number of important roles in personal injury cases. For one, they allow attorneys to build their cases. By taking witness testimony and referring continually to the transcript, lawyers use depositions to identify ideal legal strategies in their case, and how a combination of testimony and available evidence help make an argument on your behalf.
Spotting Inconsistencies in Witness Testimony
Depositions may be referred to during the trial itself as a way of catching inconsistencies in witness accounts. If a witness’ story changes from deposition to trial, that witness could be misremembering details or, worse, lying. In either case, attorneys can call for clarification when the trial testimony does not match the deposition.
It’s important to have something that can hold witnesses accountable and ensures the legal system can function in a fair and objective manner.
Considering the Strength of Your Case
During case planning, depositions are a useful tool for attorneys to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your legal case. Attorneys can adjust legal strategies as needed based on the information in the depositions, which can be invaluable as a trial nears.
Additionally, an attorney may look at the evidence and witness testimony prior to trial and find that the case may be difficult to prove in court, or that the outcome will not necessarily be favorable. Such a realization could lead an attorney to encourage taking a legal settlement instead, which avoids the cost and time of going to trial.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
An experience attorney will know what questions to ask and how to build a solid case with the evidence that is available. Going it alone with a personal injury case can be time consuming, frustrating, and prove futile given the legal knowledge necessary.
By working with experienced lawyers, you are receiving sound counsel as well as peace of mind. They have your best interests in mind, and will use all of their expertise to help you receive the best outcome possible.
Contact Our Team of Lawyers
For more information about your legal rights and options following an accident, be sure to contact our team of personal injury lawyers. The attorneys at Bowles & Verna LLP are here to help. You can reach us by phone at (925) 935-3300.