One of the most important things that the attorneys at Kajy Law advise anyone to do in the event of a car accident is to obtain the name and contact information of any witnesses that were on the scene of an auto accident and can provide information that is needed by investigators. In fact, when clients come to us following an auto accident, that is one of the first questions that we ask them – whether they have that information.
It is critical that every police report is as accurate as possible, so we work with clients to ensure that witnesses are identified and auto accident witness statements detailing what they saw can be confirmed. Simply put, having these statements recorded is crucial to successfully securing compensation for the injured party so an accurate portrayal of fault can be established.
Auto accident witnesses help us prove what happened
Each attorney at Kajy Law is experienced in all aspects of Michigan law relating to auto accidents. But even we must have evidence to demonstrate which party is at fault and may be liable for damages. Many of the auto accident cases we work on for clients in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and other nearby counties are built on the testimony of eyewitnesses. In order for a lawyer to understand the strength of a case, our lawyers must know what the eyewitnesses may have seen.
In general, witness statements should be taken as soon as possible by the responding law enforcement officer, when the details of the accident are fresh in the minds of all individuals involved. Witness statements obtained right away are likely to be more accurate than statements taken later – this is a natural phenomenon of course because as time passes, some of the details may be forgotten. Other important details may not even be recognized by a witness.
Witness statements are also most credible when the witness does not have any self-interest involved. The testimony of your family and friends who were in the car with you are valuable, but generally not as much as a bystander who has no connection to any of the parties involved in the car, truck or motorcycle collision. Locating these witnesses and obtaining a detailed statement from them is often one of the most important things that an investigating personal injury attorney can do.
Witness statements can help lead to a better chance of a settlement after an auto accident
Most auto accident cases begin with a discovery phase, where each side explores the evidence the other side has. This gives both sides a good understanding of how the case might play out in court. Lawyers and their clients can estimate their odds of winning and decide whether it would be preferable to settle and avoid the risk.
Additionally, discovery will sometimes simply bring one side to the realization that they were in the wrong. For example, an eyewitness statement that a driver was playing with the radio at the time of the accident might encourage that driver’s insurance company to settle.
Do not let your own statements be used against you.
Witness statements can just as easily be used against you. If you are in an accident, you should never allow yourself to be talked into making a statement to the other side or even to your own insurance company without advice from your own lawyer first. That’s why you want to work with a legal team that works only with auto accident victims.
As with any auto accident in Michigan, call Lawrence Kajy and the team of lawyers Kajy Law at 248-702-6641 for a free case review. Our experienced attorneys know the questions to ask and the details we need from any witness statements. We will review your options and create a strategy that supports your needs.