How to Stay Calm During a Deposition

It is quite possible that you will be deposed as you pursue your personal injury lawsuit. Depositions are a crucial part of the legal process and it is natural to be apprehensive about how the deposition will be conducted and what you can expect.

We understand that depositions can be nerve-racking, but it is important to remain as calm and confident as possible. The best advice is to take deep breaths and respond to each question thoughtfully and as best as you can. Be sure to take a moment to pause before answering each question so that you have time to calm your mind and gather your thoughts.

While you may have visions of metal tables in smoke filled rooms illuminated by floodlights, the reality is much more relaxed. Before your deposition, your civil attorney will help prepare you for the meeting. They will also guide and protect you throughout the deposition so that you can stay comfortable and relaxed.

The Purpose of Depositions

Depositions provide an opportunity to gather the statements of witnesses, the plaintiff(s), and the defendant(s). It is part of the discovery process and allows attorneys to record testimony and gather facts. Because depositions are conducted under oath, the information that is shared can be presented during the trial. Everything that is said or shared during a deposition should be considered “on the record.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
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One day in June, 2019, our world was turned upside down.  My husband was nearly killed by a motorist while riding his bicycle.  He was lucky to come away from the accident with “only” a neck broken in 5 places, facing surgery and a long two-year recovery period.
His extreme pain, our anger, and the total shock of the event overwhelmed us.  We decided to focus all our energy on his healing.  Dealing with the insurance company was more than we could handle.
So, a little investigation brought us to Sloat & Nicholson.  During the first phone conversation, Randy Nicholson explained that we could not only file a claim against the driver’s insurance, but also against our Underinsured Motorist insurance.  Randy also explained that it was likely that he would have to fight Mike’s health insurance which would certainly ask to be totally reimbursed for their expenses.
We’d learned that it was a bigger issue than we’d expected, but we knew we had found someone who could help us, and that has a great relief.
After that first call, and in the subsequent months of meeting with Randy and his team, we knew we’d made the best possible decision.
Randy got the full claim against the driver’s insurance.  He convinced our health insurance that they had no standing in filing a claim against us.  We didn’t have to pay them anything.  And he negotiated with our Underinsured Motorist insurance and got the full claim against them as well.
It was not easy, and Randy worked hard.  He completely relieved us of a ton of stress. He kept us informed each step of the way.  Every time we worked with him and his team, we became more and more convinced that we’d made the right decision.  We were so glad we found Sloat and Nicholson.
After the accident, we felt like the world was against us.  The court system totally dropped the ball, and we constantly had to fight back our anger at the driver and the judge.
But we had Randy Nicholson and his team on our side, and we are forever grateful to all of them.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
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2021-06-13
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I was in a car accident and needed legal advice. Robert Hoover was both professional and informative! He was so helpful, and I would recommend him to anyone. I also appreciated his Christian perspective!
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
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2021-03-29
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
I was a case form many years ago Gerald handled everything completely professionally there is not one thing I would do differently
My case was complicated but the end result was  everything that I was entitled to! If your case is in his practice area I highly recommend a phone call consultation or visit to his office. You won't be disappointed his years of experience knowledge and fair treatment of his clients would not be more apparent!
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
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2021-01-27
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Jerry Sloat and his staff treated our family with great respect and helped us to receive compensation for the injuries, pain and suffering we incurred during a car accident. We owe him so much and are truly grateful that we stopped trying to deal with the insurance company and allowed Jerry and his wonderful team of professional to take care of everything for us.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Leonard Romano 
 
2019-05-23
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Gerry Sloat was amazing, after my car wreck I was at a loss on what was going on. I didn't know the process or what to even expect. I turned to him because he was the only one willing to take the time and speak with me to answer all my questions. My insurance company wouldn't even call me back to answer my question of what was happening. Gerry took quite a bit of time explaining the different aspects of the insurance and the other driver and the county issues that I didn't even know where separate, he really set my mind at ease with my mind running with all of the "what ifs" I now know where I stand and what to expect going further and can now make informed decisions on what I need to be prepared for what lies ahead! Thank you again Mr Sloat!
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
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2016-12-03
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Gerry Sloat was a very skilled and helpful attorney when I needed one to negotiate a settlement for many, many medical bills resulting from a head on collision. What impressed me most was his fair handedness in dealing with us, but also with dealing with the other parties involved. Further, since the accident a half dozen years ago, he has been more than helpful in answering questions about all matters of the law, and seems to genuinely enjoy hearing from me when I call. A stellar human and an outstandingly thorough attorney.
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Bonnie Carol 
 
2016-12-02
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
Ever since I started working with with Robert Hoover it's been more like working with family he's taking the time to get to know me and my family on a personal level the office staff know by name and they are the best
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
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2016-04-21
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

Staying Calm, Collected, and on Course

Tell the Truth – It helps to think of a deposition as nothing more than a discussion. Admittedly, it’s a conversation where you must watch your words carefully. Because you will be under oath, you can be subject to perjury charges and criminal sanctions if you don’t tell the truth. Thus, it’s crucial to be honest and professional with all of your answers.

Think First, Speak Second – Always consider the question and think over your answer before you speak. This will help ensure you don’t overshare information and the process of thinking over your answer can help you stay relaxed and focused. It also gives your attorney an opportunity to object to the question if it is inapplicable or irrelevant to the lawsuit.

Keep It Short and Sweet – Your answers should be short, sweet, and to the point. “Yes,” “no,” “maybe,” and “I don’t know” are perfectly acceptable answers in a deposition. Unless otherwise required to explain a process or procedure, be very careful volunteering information that opposing counsel can use to sink your claim. Under no circumstances should you ever guess an answer or let opposing counsel put words in your mouth.

Sloat & Nicholson, P.C. can help you pursue compensation for a personal injury claim in Colorado. Contact us at (800) 873-3202 and a civil attorney will review your case and explain your legal options to you.