Questions That May Be Asked About Your Car Accident

When you hire an experienced lawyer to pursue your car accident claim, they will do everything possible to resolve your claim with a fair settlement. However, if a settlement cannot be reached for your injuries and damages, a lawsuit and trial may be necessary.

The Discovery Phase

A car accident lawsuit involves extensive pre-trial preparation, including discovery, a formal procedure where both parties collect and share information about the case before going to trial. This is done to ensure the trial goes smoothly, with each side having the information needed to present their case.

In this phase, you may be required to answer a series of questions about your claim and exchange information about the facts of the accident. You and your lawyer will also have the opportunity to obtain information from the other parties involved.

In California state courts, discovery is governed by the Civil Discovery Act of 1986.

What Are Interrogatories in a Car Accident Case?

Interrogatories are one part of the discovery phase involving a written set of questions sent by one party to another.

These questions must be answered honestly under oath, unless there is a valid objection. The responses are also typically used in trial. Interrogatories allow the parties to ask questions that provide relevant information to the case.

There are two types of questions asked as a part of a list of interrogatories: general questions and specific questions. If you and your lawyer receive both, they will need to be answered separately.

Interrogatories may start with basic questions asking for your full legal name and current mailing address. These questions are relatively straightforward and easy to answer. Much more involved questions regarding the facts of the accident that led to a lawsuit being filed will also be posed. 

Under California law, interrogatories must be completed and returned within 30 days of receiving them.

Types of Questions Asked in Interrogatories

The questions in car accident interrogatories will vary on a case-by-case basis. However, some common questions that may be asked include the following: 

• How did the accident happen?
• Where were you going when the accident happened?
• Did you have auto insurance at the time of the accident?
• How fast were you driving before the accident?
• Do you need to wear glasses or contact lenses when driving?
• Were you on medication when the accident happened?
• How many accidents have you had in the past decade?
• Have you missed time from work due to an accident?
• What injuries did you sustain in the accident?
• What types of damages have you suffered?
• Did you obtain medical care after the accident?

You should also be ready to provide a list and description of your injuries, a list of health care providers you have seen to treat your injuries, a description of your wages and employment history, and so forth.

Additional Information Exchanged Between Both Sides

Both sides may also exchange information in other ways. For instance, all parties involved should have exchanged basic contact details and insurance information with one another at the scene of the accident.

Other information could be gathered without the formality of interrogatories, such as requesting copies of medical and work records. All parties involved may also decide to exchange expert witness reports and their qualifications as an expert witness, list of damages incurred, or the identity of anyone who knows details about the accident.

A reputable Sacramento car accident lawyer can help prepare a subpoena to collect all relevant documentation for your case.

Request a Free Case Evaluation

If you have been involved in a car accident and need legal help, contact the Arnold Law Firm. We have helped many injury victims and their families recover fair compensation. In over four decades, our firm has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. 

An initial consultation is completely free. There is no risk in calling us and no obligation to take legal action. We also charge no upfront fees. We only get paid if we help you obtain a recovery.

Trusted. Local. Lawyers. Phone: (916) 777-7777.