We understand that you’re nervous and worried. We know that there’s a lot at stake.
If you’ve been seriously injured in a Connecticut accident, you’re probably worried that your deposition testimony may be pivotal in the outcome of your case and possibly your financial future.
It’s true – depositions are important, but if you follow the five steps outline below, you will go into your deposition with confidence and you will testify effectively.
1) Listen to the question. Then continue listening. Then listen some more. The most important skill that you will use in your deposition has nothing to do with what or how much you say. It has everything to do with your ability to be quiet, focus exclusively on the question that’s been put to you, and answer only that question.
2) Do not guess. Guessing often happens even when we don’t realize that we’re guessing. It’s something that we do very commonly when we have normal conversations, but it can’t happen in a deposition. It’s the, “usually I would have done…”, or “at that time, I used to…” type of responses that are simply not factual and therefore have no place in testimony.
This reminds me: you have to listen. When you listen to the specific question and answer directly based upon your concentrated listening, you won’t guess.
3) If you can answer a question with “yes” or “no”, then give the opposing attorney no more than that. Don’t volunteer information. Make the other lawyer do their job.
By the way, did I tell you that you have to listen? When you listen carefully, then you’ll know every single time, when a simple “yes” or “no” will do.
4) Don’t strategize. Strategizing is your law firm’s job. People who get caught up in strategy during their depositions distract themselves from job #1, which is what? That’s right…listening! Just focus on the question and answer that specific question. Never mind case strategy. If you’re with the right law firm with the depth of experience and skill that you need, they already have case strategy more than covered.
5) Keep your cool. I know that this may come as a shock, but sometimes lawyers can be obnoxious. Sometimes, they can be rude. But, you can rise above the obnoxious or rude attorney when you deliberately take a step back and stay focused on your objective: That is to…listen and answer only the question that’s been put to you. If you’re confronted with a really offensive attorney, your lawyer should have the experience and confidence to curtail that behavior.
If you remember nothing else from this piece, then remember Step #1: listening. Other than simply telling the truth, nothing is more important than listening. Focus on each word and sentence that is directed toward you by opposing counsel. You may even want to pause before replying and repeat the question silently to yourself in order to ensure that you have listened effectively.
It’s not nearly so much about the mouth as it is the ears.
And having a law firm with more than 40 years of combined experience litigating serious Connecticut injury cases and guiding people through their depositions. That’s the Connecticut Auto Accident Law Group.
