Why Do I Need to Do a Deposition?
When you’re involved in a personal injury case, you might be surprised or even frustrated when you’re asked to give a deposition. Clients often ask, "Why do I need to do a deposition? They hit me.
Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. is an award-winning personal injury law firm in California.
Our personal injury attorneys have over a decade of experience 'fighting for the rights' of injured victims. Our law firm only represents people injured in car accidents, dog bites, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death and other similar injuries caused by the negligence of others. Our personal injury attorneys 'help injured victims seek compensation for suffering' an injury from another person’s negligence.
$850,000,000+
Recovered For Clients
5,000+
Trusted Clients
17
California Locations
1
Case At A Time
Our Practice Areas
Our Process
Step 1
Protect Your Rights
Insurance companies often take advantage of accident victims during the vulnerable time period following a traumatic incident. Our legal team will immediately take over all communication with the insurance companies to protect your rights. This includes preserving evidence and documenting the facts of the case while they are still fresh.
Step 2
Medical Treatment
We will connect you with leading medical professionals in your area to diagnose and treat your injuries. If you are unable to afford medical treatment we can facilitate treatment on a medical lien basis, which means you pay nothing up front, rather your medical bills are paid from the settlement proceeds at the conclusion of your case. After all injuries are diagnosed and treated we will be in a position to place an appropriate settlement value on your personal injury claim and begin negotiations with the insurance company.
Step 3
Negotiation
All documentation supporting your claim will be organized into a “demand package” telling the story of your case to the at-fault insurance company. The insurance company will review these documents and respond in the form of an acceptance, a counter offer, or a rejection. Our office will communicate with you during this negotiation and you will have the final decision.
Step 4
Pre-Litigation Settlement
The majority of our cases settle in the pre-litigation stage, prior to filing a lawsuit. When your case settles, you will sign a settlement release that officially closes your case in exchange for the agreed amount of financial compensation. Our law firm will also negotiate with your medical providers to lower your bills and maximize the money in your pocket.
Step 5
Filing A Lawsuit
If the insurance company’s offer is unreasonable, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf. This process will elevate your claim and often results in higher settlement amounts. Our law firm will pay for the costs of litigating your case so you don’t have to pay out of pocket. These costs will be reimbursed from the settlement.
Step 6
Discovery/Depositions
Although jury trials are rare, we prepare every case as though it will go before a jury. This requires gathering additional evidence and hiring experts who will testify in support of our case. A deposition is your opportunity to tell your story under oath. We also question the at-fault person under oath to gather crucial information we will use at mediation or trial.
Step 7
Mediation/Arbitration
Prior to a jury trial, your case will likely go before a mediator who is a neutral party responsible for listening to both sides of the case and making settlement recommendations. Your case may settle at this stage if the mediator can help the insurance company realize the full value of your case. Arbitration is similar to mediation and is required when we are collecting from your own insurance company, rather than the at-fault person’s insurance company.
Step 8
Jury Trial
This is the final step in getting you the compensation you deserve. Our experienced trial lawyers will present your case to a jury of your peers who will ultimately decide the amount of financial compensation they believe is fair after hearing all the evidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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