If you or somebody you love has been involved in a car accident caused by the negligent or careless actions of another driver, then you may be able to file a claim and recover compensation for your losses. However, various types of evidence must be gathered in order to help establish liability. One necessary type of evidence could be witness statements (if there were witnesses). Here, we want to provide some questions that car accident witnesses should be asked. In most cases, an insurance claims adjuster will ask the same questions of these individuals.
What Should You Ask Car Accident Eyewitnesses?
Asking the right questions is crucial, but these are not the only five questions you will likely need to ask. However, these do provide good starting points for information you may need:
- Can you describe what you saw leading up to the accident? This question helps the eyewitness provide a narrative of events, including the actions of both drivers, the conditions of the road, and any potential factors that contributed to the accident.
- Did you see any traffic signals or signs that were relevant to the accident? Understanding whether any traffic signals, signs, or road markings played a role in the accident can provide insight into which driver had the right of way and whether any traffic violations were committed.
- How fast do you estimate each vehicle was traveling? Eyewitnesses’ estimates of speed can help determine if either driver was excessively speeding, driving recklessly, or not adhering to the speed limits, which can influence liability.
- Did you notice anything distracting the drivers involved? Distracted driving activities, such as texting browsing social media, talking on the phone, or engaging with in-car entertainment systems, can contribute to accidents. Learning about distractions can shed light on potential negligence.
- Did you notice any sudden lane changes, erratic behavior, or failure to use turn signals? This question can help identify if either driver made sudden, unsafe maneuvers that could have contributed to the accident. Failure to signal intentions can also indicate negligence.
Remember, eyewitness accounts can be subjective and may not always accurately reflect the entire situation. It’s important to gather as much information as possible from multiple witnesses and other available evidence to get a better understanding of the events leading up to the accident and establish liability more accurately.
Will You Need an Attorney for Help?
If you have been injured in a vehicle accident caused by the actions of another driver, you may very well need to speak to a personal injury attorney in Santa Ana about your claim. Depending on the severity of any injuries and property damage, your case may need assistance from a car accident lawyer who has experience handling complex cases.
Your lawyer will help gather all the evidence needed, including eyewitness statements. Your Santa Ana car accident attorney may need to speak to witnesses multiple times in order to help ensure stories line up. The ultimate goal is to help you recover compensation for your losses, including coverage of emergency medical bills, ongoing medical costs, lost income, property damage losses, and pain and suffering damages.
