Eyewitnesses and Less Obvious Witnesses for Your Injury Claim
Having witnesses who can support your version of events can be incredibly helpful when you’re injured in an accident. While most people understand the value of getting the name and contact information of someone who saw the incident happen, there are other ways to identify and access witness accounts that could strengthen your claim, too.
Collecting witness statements can be key to building a strong injury case. If you’re not sure where to start, know that working with a personal injury lawyer can make all the difference. Seasoned legal teams know where to look, what questions to ask, and how to preserve critical evidence to support your right to compensation.
Obvious and Less Obvious Sources
If someone directly saw the accident unfold, whether it was a car crash, slip and fall, or other personal injury event, that person’s testimony could be essential. If you are physically able, try to:
- Ask for their name and phone number.
- Request a brief written statement if they’re willing.
- Note if they are a pedestrian, driver, or employee at the location of the accident.
But if you’re unable to collect this information at the moment, don’t worry. That’s where legal professionals can step in.
Injury lawyers can look beyond the obvious to uncover additional support for your claim. For instance, if your injury occurred in or near a business, the store or facility may have surveillance footage that captured the incident. Employees or managers may not have seen the event firsthand, but they may have been trained on reporting accidents and documenting customer injuries. These individuals can serve as valuable witnesses by verifying what they observed before or after the injury.
Also, in auto accident cases, dash cam footage from other drivers in the area, or even your own rideshare driver if you were a passenger in a Lyft or Uber, could capture the crash and surrounding context. These digital witnesses can sometimes be more reliable than people’s memories.
There are situations where people sometimes mention accidents or incidents on social media as well. A post, photo, or video from someone nearby could be used to confirm details about the scene, weather conditions, or behavior of those involved. An experienced injury attorney can assist in locating and preserving this type of evidence.
First Responders and Official Reports
Police officers, paramedics, and other first responders typically create incident reports that may include observations, diagrams, and statements from others who were on the scene. While not always considered traditional witnesses, these professionals can provide critical context for how an accident occurred and who may be responsible.
Have a conversation with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your unique circumstance. Once an attorney is familiar with the details of your case, they can assist you in accessing the compensation you need.
Will it be possible for you to secure a witness account? If you were injured in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach, speak with the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez. Knowledgeable professionals are available to provide you with the legal help you need. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.
