Witness statements are some of the most valuable pieces of evidence in your auto accident lawsuit. But who can serve as witnesses? Who should you seek out? And what do they bring to the table in building your case? Here are some answers to your questions.
Who Can Be Witnesses?
Anyone who witnessed some element of the accident can serve as a witness in court. They may have seen the whole thing from beginning to end or they may simply be able to testify to a portion of it.
While most witnesses saw events, you can also get helpful information from what someone heard, said, smelled, or even touched. So don't overlook any testimony, even when it seems insignificant.
Are There Downsides to Some Witnesses?
Not all witness statements are created equal. The easiest witnesses to locate and work with throughout the lawsuit process are passengers in your car. But they're often considered inherently biased in your favor when it comes to court testimony.
Many strangers who witness an accident don't want to stay around, give out contact information, and eventually appear in court. This makes unbiased witnesses harder to come by. However, they can give details you and your passengers can't, such as what other cars were doing just before the accident.
What Witness Balance Should You Seek?
The best case is one which includes a mix of both potentially biased witnesses and more unbiased ones. Why? Your passengers, friends, or family usually have front-row views of the accident and can fill in gaps that other witnesses may leave. However, their testimony will be viewed with a skeptical eye by jurors, so don't rely on it.
Bystanders can then corroborate what your passengers testify to, giving more impartial evidence that jurors like to see. Their unique angles also give a more complete view of what happened before, during, and after the accident.
What does a good mix look like? Perhaps your passenger testifies that the other driver looked down while driving. A bystander at the crosswalk may then testify that they heard the music selection changing as the car waited. The jury then understands that the driver was most likely distracted by fiddling with their music while driving.
Where Can You Get Help?
The best resource for developing the right mix of witnesses for your accident case is a personal injury attorney in your state. With their help, you'll build the best case possible and receive the justice you deserve.
Contact a local car accident attorney to learn more.
