Being in a car accident can turn your life upside down physically, emotionally, and financially. If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, pursuing a personal injury claim can be an important step toward getting the compensation you need.
One of the biggest milestones in this process is the deposition. A deposition is a formal interview, taken under oath, where attorneys ask detailed questions about the accident, your injuries, and the ways your life has been affected. It’s recorded by a court reporter, and the transcript can later be used during settlement negotiations or in court.
Because it’s such a pivotal part of the discovery process, many people wonder what comes next. Understanding both what a deposition involves and the steps that follow can give you peace of mind and help you feel prepared for the road ahead.
Why Having a Lawyer Matters After Your Deposition
Working with an attorney becomes especially valuable once you’ve given your deposition. Here’s why:
- Knowledge of Washington personal injury law: An experienced attorney can guide you through the process, collect the right evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies.
- Case-specific experience:
- Drunk driving accidents — lawyers know Washington’s DWI laws and can hold impaired drivers accountable.
- Semi-truck accidents — attorneys understand the unique federal and state regulations that apply to trucking companies and can investigate issues like driver fatigue, improper loading, and maintenance failures.
- Motorcycle accidents — lawyers know the unique traffic laws affecting motorcyclists and the added risks these cases bring.
- Hit-and-run accidents — attorneys can help track down or legally pursue compensation even when the other driver is unknown.
- Bicycle accidents — lawyers familiar with Washington cycling laws can fight for fair recovery on your behalf.
- Pedestrian accidents — attorneys can navigate crosswalk and right-of-way laws to hold negligent drivers accountable.
- Distracted driving accidents — lawyers know how to gather phone records, witness testimony, and other evidence to prove driver distraction.
Having the right legal team means you’re not navigating this on your own. Your lawyer will explain what’s happening, answer your questions, and handle the steps that come after your deposition — whether that’s negotiating a settlement, going through mediation, or preparing for trial.
Understanding the Deposition
By the time you sit down for a deposition, a lot of groundwork has already been laid. Your attorney will have spent time preparing you reviewing the facts of the accident, walking you through the kinds of questions you’ll hear, and explaining how to answer honestly without overextending yourself. This preparation is key because the deposition is often one of the first times the defense gets to see how you present as a witness.
A deposition usually takes place in a conference room, not a courtroom. You’ll be sworn in, and then the opposing attorney will ask you questions while a court reporter records every word. Although it’s less formal than trial, your testimony carries the same weight as if you were on the stand.
The questioning can cover a wide range of topics, such as:
- The details of the accident — where you were going, what you saw, and how the crash unfolded.
- Your medical history and treatment — including injuries from the accident and any past conditions the defense may argue are relevant.
- The impact on your work — time you’ve missed, reduced hours, or limitations in performing your job.
- How your daily life has changed — from household tasks you can no longer do to hobbies or activities you’ve had to give up.
Sometimes depositions also involve testimony from doctors, accident reconstruction experts, or other witnesses who can help establish what happened and how it has affected you.
Throughout the process, your attorney is there to make sure the questioning stays fair and that you’re not pressured into answering outside the scope of what’s appropriate. They may also object to certain questions to preserve issues for trial.
In short, while the deposition can feel intimidating, it’s really about telling your story in a structured way. And the way you present yourself consistent, truthful, and credible can make a powerful difference in how the other side views your case moving forward.
What Happens Right After a Deposition
Once your deposition ends, the court reporter prepares a written transcript. Your lawyer reviews it carefully to make sure it’s accurate and to identify anything that may need clarification. This document can become an important piece of evidence later.
At the same time, the broader discovery process may still be moving forward — with both sides exchanging records, medical reports, or additional witness testimony.
From Discovery to Resolution
After depositions wrap up, cases usually move into the resolution phase. The testimony and evidence gathered help both sides see the strengths and weaknesses of their positions. This often sparks more serious settlement negotiations.
If your deposition went well, your lawyer may be in a stronger position to push for a settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Settlement Negotiations and Mediation
In many cases, settlement talks heat up after depositions. Your attorney will present a demand to the insurance company based on the testimony and evidence gathered. If negotiations stall, the case may move to mediation, where a neutral third party helps both sides try to reach an agreement.
The information revealed in your deposition often becomes the foundation for these discussions.
How Long Does It Take to Settle After a Deposition?
There isn’t one answer. Sometimes a case settles quickly within days or weeks if the deposition makes liability clear. In other situations, especially if damages are disputed or the case is complex, settlement could take several months. Your lawyer will keep you updated on timing and strategy as things unfold.
Do Most Cases Settle After Depositions?
Yes, many personal injury cases do settle at this stage. Depositions provide clarity and often make trial less appealing for both sides. Avoiding the risks and costs of court can be a strong motivator to reach an agreement.
When a Trial Becomes Necessary
Of course, not every case ends in settlement. If a fair resolution can’t be reached, your attorney will begin preparing for trial. The deposition transcript and the evidence gathered during discovery will play a central role in building your case for court.
Partnering With Ron Meyers and Associates
The period after a deposition can feel uncertain, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Ron Meyers and Associates, we guide clients through every stage of the process from preparing for deposition, to negotiating settlements, to standing up for you in court if needed. Our team knows Washington law and is committed to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
