Car Accident Glossary - D
Damages: Compensation recovered in the courts by a person who has suffered loss, detriment or injury to his/her person, property or rights, through the unlawful act or negligence of another.
Deductible: The amount an insured person must pay before the insurance company pays the remainder of each covered loss, up to the policy limits.
Default: A failure of a party to respond in a timely manner to a pleading; a failure to appear for trial.
Defendant: In a civil case, such as an car accident lawsuit, the defendant is the person against whom a civil action is brought.
Defense attorney: The attorney who represents the defendant.
Deposition: Sworn testimony taken and recorded in an authorized place outside of the courtroom, according to the rules of the court.
Discovery: A pretrial proceeding where a party to an action may be informed about (or "discover") the facts known by other parties or witnesses.
Disposition: Determination of a charge; termination of any legal action.
Due process: Constitutional guarantee that an accused person receive a fair and impartial trial.
Deductible: The amount an insured person must pay before the insurance company pays the remainder of each covered loss, up to the policy limits.
Default: A failure of a party to respond in a timely manner to a pleading; a failure to appear for trial.
Defendant: In a civil case, such as an car accident lawsuit, the defendant is the person against whom a civil action is brought.
Defense attorney: The attorney who represents the defendant.
Deposition: Sworn testimony taken and recorded in an authorized place outside of the courtroom, according to the rules of the court.
Discovery: A pretrial proceeding where a party to an action may be informed about (or "discover") the facts known by other parties or witnesses.
Disposition: Determination of a charge; termination of any legal action.
Due process: Constitutional guarantee that an accused person receive a fair and impartial trial.
