What to Know Heading into Your Truck-Wreck Deposition

Being deposed — sitting down with a defense attorney and answering questions — is a nerve-wracking ordeal for most personal injury clients.

Alex Craig, a lawyer who’s helped countless clients through depositions, said a good attorney can relieve some of this stress. Preparing, setting priorities and being honest are some of the best practices for a successful deposition.

Alex sat down with David Craig for episode 55 of After the Crash, a podcast covering all aspects of personal injury and semi-truck cases. As a trial lawyer at Craig, Kelley & Faultless, Alex has an important role in client depositions.

Alex Craig: A “Top 40 Under 40” Trial Lawyer

Alex Craig earned a bachelor’s degree in finance at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He went on to earn a master’s in business at St. Louis University, beginning law school at the same time. Alex graduated magna cum laude from IU McKinney School of Law in 2013.

He had worked at Craig, Kelley & Faultless as a law clerk during school, and that was the first time he got to sit in on depositions, mediations and trials. After graduating law school, Alex began his role as an attorney with Craig, Kelley & Faultless.

Today, Alex is a partner at the firm, and his work has earned recognition from several national organizations:

• The Max Goodwin Young Lawyer of the Year Award, 2023
• The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, 2015-present
• Super Lawyers Rising Star Honoree, 2021-present
• Best Lawyers in America® 2023 for work in: Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
• Best Lawyers in America® 2025

As a law clerk, Alex was drawn to the strategy of negotiations and trials. This interest helped him become well-versed in depositions. He considers depositions a sort of precursor to trial, even though many cases settle without a trial.

By preparing for a successful deposition, clients can use face-to-face time with defense attorneys to share their story and provide a glimpse at who they are — something that could make or break a case if it goes to trial.

“We don’t have a client that goes into a deposition and isn’t prepared for it,” Alex said.

Key Takeaways from Episode 55: Mastering Your Deposition

In a deposition, attorneys get to question parties of a lawsuit under oath. Both defense and plaintiff attorneys can ask questions, and a court reporter transcribes what is said.

While depositions are less formal than trials, they are an opportunity for a plaintiff to tell their story and must be taken seriously. Some depositions are in person at attorneys’ offices, but many today take place over Zoom.

Craig, Kelley & Faultless attorneys represent personal injury and wrongful death clients in Indiana and victims of semi-truck wrecks across the country. Here are the points Alex emphasized during his chat with David.

• The length and intensity of a deposition depends on the circumstances of the case and the defense attorney asking the questions.
• Stick to what you know. The defense attorney may ask about your background, personal life, the accident, your injuries, etc. You already know the answers, so just tell the truth.
• The deposition will likely be recorded and, if your case goes to trial, may be played for a jury. Your appearance, personality and surroundings (in the case of a Zoom deposition) can affect viewers’ impressions of you.
• Communicate with your attorney. If you’re overwhelmed, frustrated or confused, let them know. You can take as many breaks as you need.

After the Crash Podcast: A Legal Resource for Truck Wreck Victims

After the Crash is currently ranked fifth nationally for personal injury podcasts. It is the highest-ranked podcast focusing on personal injury resulting from commercial vehicle wrecks.

The podcast was launched nearly five years ago, in the fall of 2020, by attorney David Craig. It educates and empowers listeners in a digestible format. It is primarily aimed at the victims and the families of victims of semi or other large truck accidents.

It is David’s goal to equip listeners with the knowledge necessary to navigate this tough time in their lives. Anyone — truck wreck survivors, legal professionals, healthcare workers, and anyone in between — can tune into After the Crash for free.

A new episode is released monthly, featuring a guest with an important perspective. In each episode, David interviews individuals involved in commercial motor vehicle cases, or experts whose skills are crucial to understanding trucking cases.

Episodes are posted on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and the Craig, Kelley & Faultless website.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Craig, Kelley & Faultless Can Help

Attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless are prepared and have the experience to help victims of commercial vehicle wrecks through every aspect of their case.

Their team-centered approach puts client needs at the forefront, and several attorneys will work on your case to achieve the best possible outcome.

Reach out for a free case consultation today at (800) 746-0226 or online.

 

David W. Craig sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (which requires the board certification in truck accident law). He is the managing partner and one of the founding partners of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers, as well as a Top 50 Indiana lawyer by Super Lawyers. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families, written to help people navigate a terrible situation by answering questions that come after a tragic wreck. He also hosts the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.