The Value of A Witness in Car Accident Cases
Car accidents are some of the most common causes of personal injuries and death in the United States. They’re also one of the most common reasons individuals file personal injury lawsuits.
Proving liability in these situations can be tricky, especially when you need to rely on eyewitness reports to prove your case. When and if you are involved in an accident, there are several questions you should be asking that could make filing a personal injury claim much more simple and straightforward.
It is in your best interest to find a car accident witness who will describe what happened between you and the other vehicle involved in the collision. This prevents the case from becoming a mere argument of your word against the other driver’s. It also provides an unbiased, more well-rounded view of the situation.
However, witnessing an accident isn’t always easy for the person in question, and sometimes people are quite reluctant to get involved. However, with the right information, you can greatly increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your injury case.
Questions to Ask the Witness After An Auto Accident
Below is a list of questions you should ask anyone who was a witness to the car accident.
- What time did you see the accident? – Details are always important because they lend credibility to the eyewitness’ account.
- What did you see and/or hear and where exactly were you in relation to the accident? – A witness who was far away from the accident may not be able to offer a credible accounting of what happened.
- Was anyone else with you when you witnessed the accident? If so, who was it? – Another party being present may indicate the witness was “distracted” or not paying close attention to their surroundings.
- Do you believe weather conditions contributed to the accident?
- Did you hear the other driver say anything after the accident occurred? – Sometimes, the other driver might say something aloud that helps prove they weren’t paying attention to the road, committed a moving violation, etc.
- How far apart were the vehicles when you saw them collide? – Approximate distances and general details like these help produce a clearer picture of what happened.
- Did you have a clear, unobstructed view of the accident when it occurred?
- Did you notice the other driver taking part in distracted driving, like texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road?
- What did you do after the accident? – A clear answer to this question may support the fact a witness remembers many details about the accident.
- Where were you going at the time of the accident? – This helps determine what the witness’ state of mind was like at the time of the accident. A witness who was distracted or running late to an appointment may not be a reliable source of information.
- What did others do after the accident? (i.e. pedestrians, other drivers, other passersby, etc.) – This further underlines how clearly the witness remembers the circumstances surrounding the accident.
- Who got out of their vehicle first? – This could help determine the immediate physical impact of the accident on those involved.
- Did you or do you know anyone involved in the accident? – If there is a conflict of interest, the witness will not be a reliable source.
- Did you notice any other witnesses in the area who may be able to provide more information?
- Do you have any expertise that could support your observations of the accident? This may include healthcare workers, police officers, car mechanics, etc. – Credibility of a witness goes up if they are at all familiar with issues related to the accident, such as medical issues or vehicle mechanics.
- Is there any additional information you can provide regarding the accident?
Once you ask the following accident questions, it’s important to get the witness’ contact information so you or your injury lawyer can reach out later with any further inquiries.
Finally, you may also benefit from asking the witness if they would be willing to file a statement with the police. A police report is a vital piece of evidence that can be used in court to support your case. You can also ask the witness if they would recreate the accident by writing down their observations or drawing a diagram, complete with their signature. This helps prove they are confident in their own recounting of the accident.
Contact The Crosby Law Firm Today
If you have recently been injured due to someone else’s negligent driving and you aren’t sure how to go about filing an injury claim, or what questions to ask after an accident, contact the team at The Crosby Law Firm today. We offer free case evaluations and our personal injury lawyers in Rockford, IL can help you get all the information you need to file successfully.
