What Happens After a Deposition in a Car Accident Case?

Ideally, an insurance claim would pay all your bills after a car accident. In reality, you may need to file a lawsuit to cover medical costs, lost wages, and property damage.  

While many think of a lawsuit as a trial, you often have to testify long before you reach a courtroom. Called a deposition, this process is key in any legal proceeding. But what comes next?

Here, an experienced personal attorney from a law office in Oklahoma City discusses what happens after a deposition in a car accident case.

What Is a Deposition?

Depositions occur during a lawsuit’s discovery phase, typically the longest part of personal injury cases. During discovery, lawyers from the other side will ask you for information about your claim. Your attorney will do likewise to gather information from the other parties.

A deposition is a formal proceeding in which lawyers ask witnesses questions under oath. A court reporter records the sworn testimony in the presence of attorneys from both sides. You can expect to answer questions about your background, how the accident occurred, and the nature of your injuries.

What Happens After a Deposition in a Car Accident Case in Oklahoma?

The following steps typically occur after a deposition:

1. Transcript Review

Once the deposition is complete, the court reporter transcribes the testimony. Each party can then request a copy. Witnesses may review the transcript and note any errors. Attorneys will also review the deposition to identify inaccuracies, gather information, and hone their strategy. 

2. Independent Medical Examinations

By the time you reach a deposition, your doctor or hospital has probably already treated you and provided documentation of your injuries. However, the insurance company or other party may request that you participate in an independent medical examination (IME). 

While called “independent,” these examinations are often performed by doctors hired by the plaintiffs. They may understate the nature of your injuries, so you should always seek a second opinion from a trusted healthcare provider.

3. Settlement Negotiations

After looking at deposition transcripts and IME documentation, each side typically re-evaluates its case. At this stage, the attorneys may decide to negotiate settlement agreements before proceeding to trial. 

4. Trial

Your case will go to court if you and the other side cannot reach a settlement agreement. There, the attorneys will call the parties involved in the collision, witnesses to the accident, and medical consultants.

Each side will use the deposition transcripts to support or refute the evidence presented. Then, a judge or jury will make a decision.

Need Help After a Car Accident? Call Owens Law Office PC

Preventing car accidents is ideal, but if you’ve already been involved in one, contact Owens Law Office PC as soon as possible. 

Let us answer your questions about what happens after deposition in a car accident case, provide professional legal guidance, and fight for your rights throughout the process.

To keep gathering information, check out our blog post on common car accident causes. If you’re ready to schedule a free consultation, call 405-608-0708 or contact us online.