Even with all the care in the world, all it takes is someone else falling asleep on the job, having too much to drink, or taking their eyes off the road for a moment. The chain reaction can change your otherwise everyday life. You may be forced to spend a night in the ER or take a break from work, which can affect your life in many ways. If you’ve ever found yourself in this boat, you know it’s a tough spot. Fortunately, you can sue whoever you think is responsible and recover losses.
While it’s essential to take some photos and get all you can recall down in writing, there’s another type of evidence that can make all the difference: witness statements. You might be thinking, “Witness statements? Really?” Absolutely. “Witness reports bring a much-needed human touch to your case, revealing aspects that hard numbers and reports tend to miss,” says lawyer Jan Dils, of Jan Dils Attorneys at Law. Ready to find out how? Join us for this short but informative article.
Table of Contents
Why Witness Statements Matter
Imagine you’re driving down a country road near Charleston. It’s a normal day, nothing you haven’t done before. Out of nowhere, another car runs a red light and hits you from behind. You have a feeling the driver is drunk after catching a whiff of alcohol on them, but either way, it’s your word against theirs.
But wait, someone saw the whole thing unfold. It could be anyone, an attentive driver who was behind you, or even some local pedestrian headed to a farmer’s market nearby. Whoever they are, their account of the incident can provide clarity, backing up your version of events.
Their testimony can also fill in gaps you might not recall due to the shock or stress of the accident. You might have been too shaken to notice that the other driver’s behavior was erratic, but a witness might have noticed these details. It’s like having an extra set of eyes and ears that can paint a fuller picture of what really happened.
How to Secure Witness Statements
Memories can fade, and people move on with their lives, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Here’s what you can do to secure witness statements:
Why You Need an Attorney
Consider the process of initiating a lawsuit; you must file the paperwork, and not just file it, but do so in the correct manner. You’ve also got to quantify the losses you are entitled to, which is not as easy as it sounds. Medical bills and other concrete expenses may be easy to add up, but how about emotional damages? How much money in damages does PTSD translate to? Doing this alone can feel like walking through the woods without a compass. But you don’t have to. Hire a skilled personal injury attorney to handle the nitty-gritty aspects of your suit as you focus on recovery.
Take Action Now
Suffering injury at the hands of another person’s negligence is not the end of the world. You are entitled to damages through a lawsuit, but unfortunately, your word is not enough. You must collect and present proof to substantiate your claims, including witness statements. By getting other people who saw what transpired to testify, you effectively solidify your case, improving the odds of the legal action turning out in your favor.
