If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone else, it’s okay to expect full compensation for your physical injuries, pain and suffering, and lost wages. The driver at fault should compensate you fully. However, the process of filing a car accident claim might not be as straightforward as it seems. The burden of proof is on you. This means that you will need to provide proof that the other driver was at fault and witness statements can help you with this. If you are having trouble filling a claim for your case, you should consider hiring the best car accident attorney in Fall River to legally represent you.
How Much to Expect After a Car Accident
The Importance of Witness Statements
Car accident insurance companies won’t simply take the blame when you file a claim against them. Insurance companies don’t make profits by paying out settlements so your claim will be met by a little resistance. They might deny your claim or even challenge your version of events.
The good news is that proving that the other party was at fault for the accident can be done by witness statements. Witnesses that do not know you, the other driver, or somehow connected to the accident are unbiased and independent. A statement from you or any other person involved in the accident will be influenced by self-interest.
Independent witness statements can make or break your case if you do not have any other kind of evidence showing that the other driver was at fault. Witness statements can also be used as proof to show proof of your injuries, defend yourself against claims that you caused the accident, and support your claim for pain and suffering.
How a Witness Statement Can Help You Win Your Car Accident Claim in Fall River
Having a strong witness statement can be invaluable to the value of your claim and will increase the chances of the insurance company settling your claim out of court. Witness testimony will also be valuable to your case if it goes to court. It can be used to show:
Inconsistent Testimony
If a witness contradicts what they said in a prior written statement in court, your car accident lawyer can challenge their statement if they testify against you in court.
Clear Testimony
A prior written testimony can help a witness recall details just in case they have a hard time remembering them while in court.
Admission of Fault
The witness can state they heard the driver admitting to causing the accident. This kind of statement will definitely work in your favor.
How to Obtain Witness Statements
Car accidents are rarely pre-meditated and they happen violently and suddenly. You may be traumatized by the car accident and your first priority will be to seek medical help for your injuries.
Gathering evidence may not be possible but if your car accident isn’t serious, you can utilize the time you have before the police get to the accident scene. You can get witness statements from:
- Passersby
- Utility and road workers
- Adjacent customers, employees, and business owners
- Good samaritans who stopped by to offer help
- Occupants of the other car involved in the accident
You can approach any of the above-mentioned people and ask them what happened. Politely ask them to describe what happened and request to take their contact details in case you need them to testify in court.
How Can You Tell a Witness is Credible?
A witness who isn’t credible can impact your case negatively. Below are a few things you can look out for when looking for a credible witness:
- Do they know who was involved in the accident?
- Was the witness distracted when the accident happened?
- Did they see the entire incident as it happened?
- Is the witness a mentally stable person or do they seem honest to you?
- Do they have adequate hearing and vision?
Talk to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Fall River, MA
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Fall River, MA, you can speak to our best car accident attorney regarding the value of your claim. We can help you to subpoena all the necessary evidence that you need to support your claim. Contact us today at 508-676-0001 to schedule your free initial consultation.
