The Who, What, Why, Where, When, And How Of Accident Witness Statements

After your car accident, witnesses serve an important role in getting to the bottom of things and receiving the compensation you need to recover. But who should your witnesses be? And how can they help your case? Find out more by learning the who, what, why, where, when, and how of witness statements. 

Who Can Be Witnesses? 

Anyone who witnessed some element of the accident either visually or auditorily can be a useful witness. Don't overlook potentially useful witnesses just because they only saw a part of the accident or simply heard it. For instance, a witness who heard a driver talking on the phone at a red light may demonstrate that the other driver was distracted. 

What Do Witnesses Add? 

Eyewitnesses help confirm or deny the validity of the other party's version of events. They can add context, such as noting weather conditions, pedestrians, or other mitigating factors. They will have seen things you didn't. And they fill in knowledge gaps for everyone. 

Why Are More Witnesses Better?

Every person who witnessed some element of the accident did so from their own vantage point. Some may have seen little, but some may have seen everything. A preponderance of evidence will help you win your case in front of a jury and also defend yourself against surprises from the other party. 

Where Do You Find Witnesses?

The best place to locate witnesses is by observing the crash site immediately following the accident, including passengers in all vehicles. Some people will come forward and volunteer information. If the police were called, they ask for witnesses and contact information for the accident report. You can also return later and speak with surrounding businesses, the other party's witnesses, or even commuters or patrons who tend to be in the same place each day. 

When Should You Talk to Witnesses?

Obtain witness statements as close to the accident timeline as possible. Fresh memories are best, especially to later convince the jury that the statement is trustworthy. 

How Do Witnesses Give Statements? 

The statement of a witness can be informal or quite formal. Some statements are written at the scene of the accident. The police may write down in the accident report what an eyewitness tells them. Eventually, the witness may also be asked to give formal depositions or testify if the case goes to court. 

Where to Learn More

Your case can hinge on what those involved in and around the car accident saw or heard. Contact a local auto accident attorney to learn more. 

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