When it comes to pursuing a personal injury case following an accident, witnesses to your accident can be crucial to the successful outcome of your case.
Why Are Witnesses Important to Personal Injury Cases?
Personal injury cases contain an assortment of issues including evidence, damages, proof, and liability to determine negligence and compensation. Witnesses in personal injury cases can provide important testimony to support elements of causation, liability and damages.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident or suffered an injury, your first priority must be to get medical attention. If you are physically able, however, you should take steps to help your potential claim by obtaining information from individuals who witnessed the accident.
When Should I Obtain Information From Witnesses?
If you know an individual witnessed your accident or incident, it is important to obtain information from this witness as soon as possible.
The best place to obtain the witness’s information is at the scene of the accident or incident because the witness’s observations of the events are still fresh in his/her mind. Moreover, the witness can easily visualize what occurred and point out important landmarks at the scene.
What Kind of Information Should I Collect From Witnesses of My Accident?
The first step is to write down the witnesses’ names, addresses, and telephone numbers. Depending on the circumstances, obtaining the witnesses’ personal information may be the only feasible thing you are able to do after your accident. However, at a later date, you, an investigator, or your attorneys may want to contact these people for important and helpful information pertaining to your case.
If you are able to get a statement from the witnesses at the scene of the accident or incident, identify yourself and have the witness write down as much information about the incident as possible. Ideally, the information you collect should include:
- What the witness saw
- What the witness heard
- Where the witness was located during, before and after the incident
- How far the witness was from the events related to the incident
- Whether or not the witness had a clear view of the incident
- The witness’s observations about weather
- Any other observations pertaining to the incident that the witness is willing to share
Have the witness sign his/her name to the statement. If the witness is uncomfortable with making a statement, simply obtain his/her personal information so your personal injury attorney can contact the witness at a later date.
Injured in an Accident? Let the Personal Injury Attorneys at Maynard Injury Law Help!
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney immediately is crucial to the protection of your rights. At Maynard Injury Law, our team of skilled personal injury lawyers understands the legal issues involved in personal injury cases related to automobile accidents, slip and fall accidents, motorcycle accidents, dog bite accidents and more. From contacting witnesses in personal injury cases to helping you understand your rights, we can help you navigate the complex legal process.
We have the knowledge and skill necessary to represent you as you pursue the compensation you are entitled to. Our reputation for success is showcased in the verdicts and settlements we’ve obtained for past clients, our client testimonials, and the numerous awards and recognitions received by our personal injury attorneys.
Interested in learning more about how our Upstate NY personal injury lawyers can help you obtain the compensation you deserve following an accident caused by someone else’s negligence? Schedule your free case review with the personal injury attorneys at Maynard Injury Law today.
Give us a call at (800) 721-3553 or contact us online to get started today!
