Witnesses can be valuable in a car accident claim. For help connecting with witnesses after a crash, call our skilled New Jersey personal injury lawyers.
Being involved in a car accident can be one of the most terrifying and unsettling experiences that you ever go through. Indeed, the experience may be so rattling that immediately afterward, you are in shock and unsure of what to do. While there are many things that you may have questions about, one inquiry that we often hear from clients is in regards to whether or not it is wise to approach a witness after a car accident. Here is what you should know:
The Benefits of Talking to a Witness
When you are pursuing a car accident claim, you will need to be able to prove that the accident was the fault of the other driver. You will also need to prove the extent of damages that you have suffered. In order to accomplish both of these tasks, the statements of any eyewitnesses to your accident can be critical.
Witnesses, especially unbiased, credible witnesses, can provide crucial information about how an accident occurred. Because witnesses who are not related to you typically have no reason to present mistruths, their statements are often taken by the insurance adjuster at face value.
Considerations Before Talking to a Witness
While talking to witnesses after your crash can be important, as you will want to get the witness’s name, contact information, and a brief description of what they saw as soon as possible, consider the following before doing so:
- Do you need medical care? If you need emergency medical care, then getting that care should be your top priority. Do not put off care or attempt to move or talk when doing so could be detrimental for your well-being. Medical care is the number one concern.
- Is it safe? Another thing to think about is whether or not talking to witnesses is safe. If a witness is located on the opposite side of a busy highway and traffic is whizzing by, it is probably not within your best interests to cross the street.
- Has the witness’s information been recorded by a responding police officer? Fortunately, if you miss out on the opportunity to talk to a witness at the scene of an accident, there is a good chance that their statement and their contact information will be recorded by a responding police officer. Just request a copy of the accident report so that you can follow up at a later day.
Consult with Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorney to Learn More
At the office of Lomurro Law, we know how valuable witnesses can be in a case. However, we also realize that you cannot always connect with a witness immediately after your crash, especially if you are injured. When you hire our law firm, one service that we can provide you is that of following up with any witnesses and collecting statements. We will do this as soon as possible so evidence is not lost.
To learn more about our personal injury lawyers and how we can serve you, please connect with us by phone or online at your convenience. We offer free consultations.
