If you’re injured in a car accident, you may decide to seek compensation from the responsible party through a third-party personal injury claim. A personal injury claim requires that you and your lawyers build a case, demonstrating why the responsible party is at fault and should pay for your damages.
One of the things that can help to prove your case may be a witness statement. A witness is someone who was present and can give the judge insight into what happened.
What Is A Credible Witness?
A credible witness is someone who is trustworthy and can provide factual, non-subjective information. A judge may consider the following when deciding if a witness is credible or not:
- Consistency of information given
- The witnesses’ relationship to each party
- The witness’s overall attitude
- How much of the accident the witness was present for
- Whether or not the witness was involved in the accident
- If the witness has a criminal record
- If the witness is confused about the accident
- The witness’s mental or cognitive state
- The witness’s health or overall condition
- The witness’s location when the accident occurred
The judge is likely to take many factors into account when deciding if a witness is credible or not. The defendant’s lawyer may also consider or question credibility.
Why Are Witness Statements Important?
A witness statement can be an important part of a case. Without witness statements, it’s often one person’s word against another’s. In a car accident case, one driver may blame the accident on the other driver, and vice versa. A witness can provide a non-subjective update on the events that led up to the accident.
This can help the judge or jury better understand not only what caused the accident, but also who’s responsible. It can help the judge decide if the responsible driver was negligent.
How Do I Get A Witness Statement?
If you were in a car accident in which another driver was at fault, it can be helpful to reach out to any witnesses. Because the scene of a car accident is often hectic and confusing, most people don’t think about the importance of a witness statement until much later.
If possible, it’s always a good idea to obtain the contact information of any witnesses before leaving the scene of the accident. However, if you’re unable to do so, there may be other options available. Working with a lawyer can help you track down the contact information of any witnesses. They may be able to talk with people who know people who were present at the scene or request video footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras. A police officer may also collect information from any witnesses.
Who Qualifies As A Witness?
The best witnesses are subjective and not related to either party in the car accident. This may be a nearby pedestrian or another driver. But, it is possible to use other passengers in your vehicle, or the other vehicle. If you need help deciding who is a credible witness, talk with your car accident lawyer.
Contact A Hackensack Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Car Accident Case In New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Camili & Capo, PA represent clients injured because of a car accident in Hackensack, New Brunswick, Newark, Little Falls, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 834-8457 or fill out our confidential online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office located at 1 Lower Notch Road Little Falls, New Jersey 07424, in addition to offices located in Hackensack, Newark, and North Brunswick, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
