TOP 10 QUESTIONS TO ASK AN AUTO ACCIDENT WITNESS

Auto accidents in California

Getting into a car accident is frustrating, painful, and overwhelming, especially when someone else’s carelessness is the cause. If you’re trying to recover compensation for damages or injuries, you might be surprised to learn your strongest piece of evidence for your attorney is, in fact, a powerful, concise witness statement.

Here at Beverly Hills Injury Firm, we know that firsthand information is a vital aspect towards creating a bulletproof case and getting the highest compensation. The questions you ask a witness at the scene can make a huge difference when it comes to your odds of success.

Here are the top 10 questions to ask an auto accident witness to arm yourself in anticipation of your personal injury attorney consultation and best position yourself for the strongest case possible.

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#2. Where were you at the time of the accident?

The location of the witness is all important. The perception of a person waiting at a red light is substantially different from someone driving behind the collision. It gives their testimony credibility to establish their point of view.

#3. What direction were they going?

This question helps to give a clear image of the scene. If the witness can remember the advisability of movement, the speed, or the position of the vehicles which he could not see at the time of the impact,

such evidence would be of importance in establishing a fact from which one driver did violate traffic regulations or drove recklessly.

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#4. Did any traffic signals, signs or violations come in to play?

Traffic signs like stop signs, red lights, yield signs, or speed limits can also dictate who had the right of way. Inquire whether the witness witnessed any infractions , this could be helpful evidence..

#5. Did you hear or see anything unusual before the accident?

Sounds of aggressive driving, blasting music, or odd behavior can signal a driver who is distracted or not focused due to bad decision-making.

These are the details that help fill out a broader picture of how the accident happened.

#6. Was anyone cited at the scene?

An off the cuff remark from the driver who is blamed for the crash such as “I did not see you” or “That was my fault” can have legal weight.

If a witness heard that, it can be really good evidence for you whether you’re in litigation or settlement proceedings.

#7. Did you see any injuries or damage immediately after the crash?

Witnesses can support the extent of your injuries or offer a picture of the pertinent state of the vehicles, details that might be minimized by your insurance company.

Their testimony could help establish that you truly are suffering, grieving, and in need of medical care.

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#8. Did you call or talk to emergency responders?

Inquire whether they made a statement to the police, paramedics or firefighters. If that is the case, your lawyer can get such a report and for administrative purposes the report is considered documentation to help establish the firmness of their report.

#9. Would you give me a statement, written or recorded?

Explain that what the witness knows may matter. Whether they’re willing to put their statement in writing or talk with your attorney directly, their willingness can be a major asset in helping to build your case.

#10. Do you mind saying your name and contact info?

This step is vital. Be sure to get the witness’s full name along with phone and email information, and verify that the witness has no qualms about being contacted.

Without it, even the best collection can be useless later down the line..

Navigating the Legal Process

After a car crash, the seconds can be disorienting, but acting quickly to collect key pieces of evidence, most notably eyewitness testimony can mean everything to your ability to claim compensation for a personal injury. The right questions can be asked at the right time to put you in a better position when you work with an experienced attorney

Our record of success at Beverly Hills Injury Firm proves we know how to defend the rights of accident victims and win top settlements and verdicts. We know how to persuade eyewitness evidence into legal leverage.

When you or someone you love has been hurt in a car crash, the last thing you want to do is gamble with your future. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you get the most for your recovery.

Justice starts with the facts. We want to help you maximize those facts.

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Note: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

FOUNDER & TRIAL ATTORNEY

Meet Shawn Mangoli

“Shawn Mangoli, the founder of Beverly Hills Injury Firm, is a distinguished trial attorney specializing in personal injury law. With a decade of experience in civil litigation, Shawn has successfully championed the rights of those injured due to negligence, securing numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Recognized consistently by Super Lawyers and a respected member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and American Attorneys for Justice, Shawn’s commitment to justice is profound and unwavering.”

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