How to Respond to an Interrogatory During a Personal Injury Case

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If you decide to file a lawsuit after an auto accident, you will need to participate in a discovery process. When this occurs, you will need to participate in an interrogatory. This is a series of questions that you will need to respond to under oath. If you must respond to an interrogatory, it's a good idea to discuss the answers you should give with a personal injury attorney.

How to Respond to an Interrogatory

You will need to answer questions and may also need to provide documents. You may also need to go to a lawyer's office with your own lawyer and have a deposition taken. The lawyer asks you questions after a court reporter swears you in. The court reporter is responsible for creating a transcript of your conversation.

You may benefit from an interrogatory because you may be able to obtain important information from the other party. However, you will also want to be careful about what you say during the interrogatory. You will also want to understand your state's procedural rules.

Typical Questions Asked in an Interrogatory

During an interrogatory, you will often be asked where you live and what you do for a living. You may be asked specific questions about the car accident and the injuries you suffered from. They might also want to know about how your injuries were treated, the doctor who treated your injuries, and if you have any problems remaining after your injuries. However, the lawyer has a lot of freedom regarding what he or she is allowed to ask.

Participation in the Interrogatory

You may be able to turn down participating in the interrogatory. However, if the attorney believes that it is important enough, they may request that the courts order you to participate in it. If you still refuse, you may face a fine and the courts may also rule on behalf of the plaintiff. However, your attorney may also be able to successfully object to the interrogatory if it is considered to be too burdensome. 

Because you will be making your statements under oath, everything you say can be used against you. Even if you believe you have not said anything wrong, the courts can bend the truth. A personal injury attorney can help you deal with the unfair tactics of a defense lawyer. However, responding or objecting is always better than ignoring, and you will typically have a month to respond.

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10 December 2020

Your Questions Answered About Accident and Personal Injury Attorneys

When a person is involved in an accident that's caused by someone else, they may need to speak with an accident and personal injury attorney. Mounting costs of medical care and time off from work can cause money problems for people who are injured. Those who hire an attorney can often receive monetary compensation from the responsible party. We aren't involved in the legal profession, but we do understand the stress that injuries and medical bills can cause. We've researched legal information and written this blog to help those who are in this situation. We hope the articles on our site will answer the questions you have about accident and personal injury attorneys.