Preparing to give testimony in court? Here is some advice from a Jacksonville personal injury attorney on being specific:

Never Guess
Guessing, also known as speculating, is not the way to answer questions while on the stand. If the only way you can answer a question is to guess, then the only answer you can say is “I don’t know.” Even if you feel you know the answer but don’t know for sure, your answer is I don’t know. Don’t worry about appearing evasive or ignorant

Reasonable Estimate
If you have enough information to make a reasonable estimate, then you may do so as long as you make it clear that you are giving an estimate or approximation.

Avoid Vague Terms
You should never be vague or ambiguous, which may imply that you are uncertain about the answer. The following words or terms should be avoided:

• Possibly;
• I think;
• I guess;
• I believe;
• Correct me if I’m wrong;
• If I’m not mistaken;
• I may have;
• I might have;
• Perhaps, maybe;
• I assume;
• It seems; and
• Let me see.

Always Finish Your Answer
If an attorney cuts you off before you have finished your answer, you have the right to finish what you were saying. Incomplete answers may be misleading. If you are interrupted by the opposing attorney, politely wait until the attorney finishes talking and say that you are not finished. Do not argue or get mad.

If you have more questions about the best way to give testimony, contact injury attorney John Fagan at 904-278-1000.