As discussed previously on this blog, when a Louisiana resident is injured in a car accident, they may be able to recover compensation from the negligent driver who caused the crash through a civil suit. The idea of going through a trial may seem overwhelming to many struggling to come to terms with their injuries, but an experienced attorney may be able to guide them through the process by explaining the stages of the trial to them.
One of the most important stages of the trial is the discovery process-each side reveals relevant facts and documents to the other side prior to the trial taking place. These documents can help experienced attorneys prepare a comprehensive case for receiving much deserved compensation. Discovery can be written, document production or through depositions.
Facts and claims of the case are collected through interrogatories-questions that require each side to record their version of the events. They are a form of written discovery. The questions can be broad or specific and can be generic or specific. Document production, as the name suggests, refers to the right of every party to see most of the documents that relate to their case. Increasingly, this includes emails and, in some instances, even reconstruction of deleted files.
Depositions are once again providing every party the opportunity to give their version of the events, but this time it is a sworn statement where an attorney poses questions and the event is transcribed by a court reporter. It can be viewed as a practice trial-it gives each party the opportunity to see how a witness will appear in front of the court.
Holding a negligent driver accountable for their actions may be one way to receive closure after a car crash. It also can provide compensation to cover medical bills associated with the crash.
