What Happens During the Car Accident Discovery Process?

For fans of true crime and courtroom dramas, it can sometimes seem as though cases move very quickly from the accidents themselves to a trial. The truth is the process of getting compensation after a car accident involves several different steps. Before the trial, your case will first go through the discovery process.

Read on to learn more about how discovery works and what to expect during this part of your path to recovery. In order to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the discovery process, it’s best that you consult with an experienced auto accident attorney .

If the insurance company involved in your car or truck accident case isn’t offering a fair settlement or is denying coverage, and your case progresses to a lawsuit, you will go through the discovery stage before the trial itself.

Simply put, discovery is the investigation that goes on prior to the trial itself. During discovery, the attorneys for all parties involved will attempt to gather as much information as possible about the case and each other. The discovery process can be split into three parts: document requests, interrogatories, and depositions.

In most cases, you will have gathered all of your relevant documents, like medical records and photographic evidence, long before your case transitions into a trial. Your attorney can help you gather all of the evidence available to support your description of events, but that doesn’t always mean your case can be resolved with a simple settlement.

Now that your case has become a lawsuit, you will have the opportunity to request the same sorts of documents from the opposing party as you gathered in your own defense. It’s important to note that your documents may also be requested, and an attorney should verify that all requests are valid. Some documents that might be shared include the following:

Sometimes, there are questions following car accidents that can’t be answered using simple documentation. In these cases, your attorney or the opposing counsel may submit interrogatories: written questions regarding your claims and defense. Usually, these questions are sent to the client, but the assistance of an attorney is often required in order to ensure the best outcome.

The questions asked must be answered truthfully under oath. These questions can also extend to any eyewitnesses that saw the accident take place. It’s important that the answers to these questions are precise and accurate. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you avoid a dismissal due to positions stated in your pre-trial discovery.

In many cases, the deposition is the most important part of the pretrial investigation. Depositions give both sides the chance to see how either party will respond to questions under pressure and under oath. This means it’s especially important that you are totally prepared prior to your deposition. You will want to give a steadfast and professional first impression:

Depositions can be intimidating, so the more prepared you are, the better! An experienced attorney will set up as much time as you need in order for you to feel ready and prepared beforehand. After all, being uncomfortable during the deposition could negatively affect your case in the long run.

Finding an attorney that’s experienced and dedicated to you and your case can make all the difference between a successful outcome and not. Contact our office today for a consultation regarding your case so that you can receive the compensation you deserve. 

If you’ve been injured in a car or truck accident in Texas, our experienced auto accident attorneys will take your case as far as necessary to get you the compensation you deserve .

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What Happens During the Car Accident Discovery Process?

Lapeze & Johns