Oath - was this a mortal sin?

[Love5454]

Sorry not sure if my thread got posted twice, but anyway this is a long story to explain kind of, but in short: i got in a car accident about 5 years ago, and a car hit me and i went unconscious. Thank God, I was OK. However, the accident was my fault because I failed to see a stop sign. I went unconscious either before or when the car hit me, because i didn’t remember a thing, only when i realize that I passed a stop sign. Anyway, the other guy in the car sued me and when i went to a pre-trial i guess it is called or oath, i answered the questions as honestly as i could, however, i did not mention the fact that it was my fault and i didn’t see the stop sign. Was this a mortal sin?? I am really worried about this. Should i confess this

 

[catharina]

Sorry not sure if my thread got posted twice, but anyway this is a long story to explain kind of, but in short: i got in a car accident about 5 years ago, and a car hit me and i went unconscious. Thank God, I was OK. However, the accident was my fault because I failed to see a stop sign. I went unconscious either before or when the car hit me, because i didn’t remember a thing, only when i realize that I passed a stop sign. Anyway, the other guy in the car sued me and when i went to a pre-trial i guess it is called or oath, i answered the questions as honestly as i could, however, i did not mention the fact that it was my fault and i didn’t see the stop sign. Was this a mortal sin?? I am really worried about this. Should i confess this

Talk to a priest.
A forum can’t help you with this.
Too many variables.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

In a legal situation one should only answer the questions that are asked, and as briefly as possible. Remember Dragnet - The facts, just the facts.

 

[didymus]

Sorry not sure if my thread got posted twice, but anyway this is a long story to explain kind of, but in short: i got in a car accident about 5 years ago, and a car hit me and i went unconscious. Thank God, I was OK. However, the accident was my fault because I failed to see a stop sign. I went unconscious either before or when the car hit me, because i didn’t remember a thing, only when i realize that I passed a stop sign. Anyway, the other guy in the car sued me and when i went to a pre-trial i guess it is called or oath, i answered the questions as honestly as i could, however, i did not mention the fact that it was my fault and i didn’t see the stop sign. Was this a mortal sin?? I am really worried about this. Should i confess this

Do you have a lawyer? If not, get one.
These are legal, not moral questions.

1.) this sounds like a pre-trial deposition. You would definitely have been under oath.

2.) you say you failed to see the stop sign. Do not say that. Not because it may not be true but because it is the plaintiff’s attorney’s job to bring it out. If he just asked did you see it and you said “no” that is the truth.
There are lots of reasons to miss a stop sign, some innocent, many not.

3.) it’s not up to you to decide you’re at fault. You’re the defendant. There’s a judge (and possibly a jury if this goes to trial) who will figure that out.

As Kelley said, just the facts – answer the questions but don’t volunteer extra information.
Really they should change the witness’s oath from “the truth, whole truth, &c” (which is often not permitted) to an oath to answer all questions truthfully questions

 

[puzzleannie]

in such a deposition you are supposed to just answer yes or no to the attorney’s question, and not volunteer more information unless in response to a direct question. No you did not sin if you truthfully answered each question to the best of your ability. Put it aside and pray for God’s help in dealing with the consequences of the accident, and get competent professional help as needed, legal, medical etc.