Information You Should Ask Witnesses
May 23, 2023
Getting hurt in a motor vehicle accident can be difficult and unsettling. Thankfully, Florida personal injury laws allow auto accident victims to seek compensation for their injuries through a claim or lawsuit. In order to prove fault in your claims, you may need to provide as much evidence as possible. Testimonies and statements from third-party witnesses are vital evidence that can help shed more light on your case and determine who was actually responsible for the traffic collision.
At Mohammadi & Humayun, LLC, we're dedicated to offering vigorous representation and personalized attention to clients in their accident cases. Our experienced Maryland personal injury attorneys can examine all of the facts of your personal situation and enlighten you about how to gather witnesses' statements and evidence for your case.
In addition, we can help file your claims, seek to establish liability, and recover your deserved financial compensation. Our firm proudly represents clients across Rockville, Montgomery County, Howard County, Prince Fredrick County, and George's County, Maryland.
Car Accident Claims in Maryland
Maryland is an at-fault state for car accidents. According to the state's fault system, the driver who caused the traffic crash (the at-fault party) will be held financially responsible for medical expenses, property damages, and other accident-related losses suffered by the injured persons. To pursue financial compensation following an auto crash, the claimant can proceed by:
filing a first-party claim with their own insurance carrier;
filing a third-party claim against the insurance company of the at-fault driver; and,
filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver.
Statute of Limitations
Additionally, the Maryland statute of limitations for auto accident claims is three (3) years from the date the accident or injury occurred. This means that you must file your civil action to pursue damages within three years of the car accident or injury.
Gathering Information After an Accident
However, what you do – or fail to do – after the accident can affect the outcome of your injury claims. Essentially, you need to gather and document necessary evidence and other details about the incident. At the accident scene, you should exchange relevant information with the other driver, including the driver's name, insurance information, vehicle registration, and contact details.
In addition, take pictures of the accident scene and your vehicle from different angles before the cars are moved. This can help you recall how the incident occurred and would serve as evidence in your case. You should also collect testimonies and statements from witnesses and exchange contact with them. Collect and check the police report to ensure that it is accurate. Also, get in touch with your insurer or the at-fault party's insurance carrier to file claims and pursue damages.
Questions to Ask Accident Witnesses
Furthermore, witnesses at the accident scene are in the best position to give firsthand information about what they saw or heard. When speaking to an accident witness, here are some crucial questions to ask:
When did you get to the accident scene?
In your own statements, can you provide a clear description of how the accident occurred, what you heard or saw?
Do you know of any other accident witnesses who might have additional information?
Did you notice if the other driver was speeding, texting, eating, aggressive, or distracted?
What were the road conditions and weather like before the crash?
Who was the first person to get out of their vehicle?
Were you alone or with someone when the crash happened?
Were you close or far away from the accident scene? Were you able to get a clearer view?
Can you describe what the accident victims or people around did after the crash?
Can you make a statement to the police officers?
Do you know the motor vehicle drivers or accident victims?
Can you record your observations and sign the statement?
Do you have other information about the incident that you would like to share?
Furthermore, make sure all the witness testimonies, statements, and findings are carefully and accurately documented. In the event that the stories change down the line, you can always fall back on the information you have gathered.
Additional Information to Gather From Witnesses
In addition to the questions you will be asking the accident witnesses, you should also gather the additional information below:
Accident-Related Knowledge
An accident witness with extensive experience and skill in car crashes will be highly resourceful in your case. The witness will be able to give you the right information and evidence you need and also assist with legal, mechanical, or medical-related matters in your accident case.
Contact Details
In addition, be sure to collect the names and contact details of all potential witnesses should there be a need to follow up with them regarding the auto accident. Also, some accident witnesses can help you contact other witnesses to provide additional information. Your legal representative can also speak with the witnesses to collect vital information for your case.
Information about Accident Victims
Also, you can whether the witness knows any of the accident victims. This will help you assess their statements and testimonies to be sure they are unbiased. In addition, you can eliminate the possibility of a witness having a conflict of interest.
Let Us Guide You Through the Claims Process
When an accident occurs, the victims, attorneys, and judges rely on witness statements and testimonies – in addition to other evidence – to determine what caused the crash, the events prior to, during, and after the incident, and who was at fault. Therefore, if you need help gathering witness statements or reaching out to accident witnesses, you should retain a highly-skilled car accident attorney as soon as possible for detailed guidance.
Our attorneys at Mohammadi & Humayun, LLC, have devoted their careers to offering experienced support and advocating for your best interests. As your legal counsel, we can investigate all of the facts of your case carefully, gather witness statements and testimonies, and document the required evidence and information about the accident. Also, our team works intelligently to establish fault, hold the liable party accountable, and help you seek the financial justice you deserve.
Contact us at Mohammadi & Humayun, LLC, today to schedule a simple case assessment with trusted personal injury lawyers. Our skilled attorneys can offer you the dedicated legal guidance and trusted representation you need in your accident case. We proudly represent clients across Rockville, Montgomery County, Howard County, Prince Fredrick County, and George's County, Maryland.