Defendant
Definition
The person or entity being sued in a lawsuit. In a car accident case, this is typically the at-fault driver, but can also include their employer or a vehicle manufacturer.
Real-World MVA Example
After a delivery truck runs a red light and hits you, both the driver and the trucking company are named as defendants in your lawsuit.
Related Terms in Legal Process
Class Action
A lawsuit where a group of people with similar injuries or claims sue a defendant together as a single case, rather than filing individual lawsuits.
Deposition
Sworn, out-of-court testimony where attorneys ask you questions and your answers are recorded by a court reporter. It happens before trial during the discovery phase.
Discovery
The pre-trial phase where both sides exchange information, documents, and evidence related to the case. This is how your attorney builds the strongest case possible.
Interrogatories
Written questions sent by one side to the other during the discovery phase of a lawsuit. You must answer them under oath within a set deadline.
Mass Tort
A type of legal action where many individuals who were harmed by the same product or action file individual lawsuits that are coordinated together for efficiency.
Plaintiff
The person who files a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries. In a car accident case, the plaintiff is typically the injured driver, passenger, or pedestrian.
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