Any experienced Woodstock car crash lawyer will tell you how important the moments after a car accident are. That’s because whatever happens in that period can significantly affect the outcome of your case. So, you must take the proper steps to increase your chances of success in your auto crash compensation claim.
There are many things to do after a car collision. First, you must dial 911 to seek medical attention and alert law enforcement. Next, you must gather as much evidence as you can for a potential injury claim.
However, many people neglect to interact with accident witnesses after the crash. Many times, when they do, they have no idea how to ask the right questions. In this article, you’ll learn how to find the proper witnesses for your car accident case. You’ll also discover how to interview them properly by asking the right questions.
How Do I Find Reliable Witnesses After an Automobile Crash in Woodstock?
A great witness can help you prove liability in your personal injury claim. However, it can be challenging to find a reliable one. If you’re on the lookout for the appropriate witnesses for your case, you can explore these options:
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Interview People at the Accident Scene
The best way to find a credible witness is right after the accident. Drivers in other vehicles, passersby, pedestrians, and emergency responders make good witnesses if they corroborate your claims.
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Canvass the Accident Scene Again
Unfortunately, you may be in critical condition after a car accident. As such, you wouldn’t be able to speak to anyone at the accident scene. In such situations, you may still find credible witnesses by visiting the accident scene at the earliest opportunity. However, always remember that time is of the essence.
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Go Through the Police Report
There is a lot of information you can find in a police report. One of them is the list of witnesses the police interviewed at the accident scene. Luckily, you can also get their contact information from the report.
Top Ten Questions to Ask a Car Accident Witness
When you finally find your witnesses, you’ll want to ask them the right questions. These are examples of relevant questions you can ask them:
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Can You Give Details on What You Saw?
You’ll want to have an account of the accident in their own words. So this should be one of the first questions to ask as it helps you know what points to clarify.
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Where Were You When the Accident Happened?
When giving an account of an accident, proximity to the crash scene matters a lot.
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What Were You Doing at the Time of the Collison?
Some witnesses may have been paying attention to the accident scene at the time of impact. Some others may have just arrived at the location after a while. It’s important to know which category your witness falls under.
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Did You See Anyone Breaking Any Traffic Laws?
If your witness saw a driver texting, speeding, or breaking any traffic laws, their statements can prove the motorist’s liability.
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Was Anyone Else With You When the Crash Occurred?
This question will give you an idea of more witnesses to interview.
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Do You Know Any of the Victims Personally?
This question can help you gauge the witness’ bias. For example, they can give false accounts of the accident if someone they know is the at-fault party.
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Did You Hear the Other Drivers Say Something?
The other drivers or passengers in the accident may have said something that incriminates them to your witnesses’ hearing.
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What Did You Do After the Accident?
Did your witness call emergency responders or help accident victims out of the vehicle? If they did, their statements could prove that you sustained severe bodily injuries or someone died in the crash.
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Can You Make a Statement to the Police?
If your witness makes a statement in your favor to the police, it can help your case significantly. So, appeal to them to make a statement if you must.
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Can I Get Your Contact Information?
Getting your witnesses’ contact information will help you to reach out to them whenever the need arises.
Request for a Free Consultation Immediately!
You can’t ignore the importance of credible witnesses for your car accident claims. As such, you must take the time to find them and discover relevant information from them. If you’d like, a personal injury lawyer can help you ask them relevant questions to help your case.
If your Woodstock car accident attorney is from The Weinstein Firm, you’re on the right track to maximum compensation. We’ll give your case the attention it deserves and guarantee you 100% satisfaction. Contact us for a free case review ASAP!
