Personal Injury Interrogatories: What To Know
If you are the victim of carelessness or negligence, you are entitled to be paid money damages. The civil procedure sets out guidelines that allow victims to follow a path to compensation. Likewise, a civil procedure allows the defendant an equal opportunity to prove that they were not responsible for your injuries. Once you and your personal injury attorney take legal action and file suit, a process is put in motion. Taking a keen interest in the process can help you feel more in control of the situation, so read on to learn about one particular part of the personal injury process – interrogatories.
What to Know About the Discovery Process
The discovery process begins somewhere between the time of the lawsuit being filed and the beginning of the trial. Each case is different and more complicated cases require more time to prepare for the discovery events. Discovery is not a single action, but a group of actions that are all meant to provide each side with information about the case. Evidence is shared, testimony is provided, and details are teased out. There are four discovery activities:
1. Production requests – The other side requests certain, specific documents that relate to the case. For example, medical records, photographs, and receipts.
2. Admission requests – One party requests that the other either admit, deny or object to factual statements.
3. Depositions – All parties are questioned under oath about the accident and the injuries.
4. Interrogatories – The parties exchange written questions and request answers.
It's worth mentioning that all discovery procedures must produce information that is true, factual and provided in a timely manner. Only when discovery is complete can the case proceed to trial.
What to Know About Interrogatories
You can discern quite a bit about a case by reading over an interrogatory request. If the parties disagree on fault, the extent of liabilities, the damages, or any other aspect of the case, that issue will likely be the focus of the interrogatory request. The interrogatory asks questions about the case, and those questions usually center around issues like:
- How did the accident happen?
- Was the driver distracted by texting or something else?
- Was the driver or the victim speeding at the time of the wreck?
- Was alcohol or drugs involved in the accident?
In most cases, there are limits on both the number of interrogatories and the time for responding. Discovery is but one small part of trial preparation and most of it directly involves your input. Speak to a law office like Campbell, Dille, Barnett & Smith, P.L.L.C. to learn more about your case as it proceeds through the discovery process.