Witness testimony can be an essential element to demonstrate liability and prove negligence in a car accident claim. For over 40 years, the car accident lawyers at James Alexander Law have helped personal injury clients in the central New York area find the compensation and justice they deserve. We help you understand how a car accident witness statement can affect your claim and lead to a successful outcome for your case.
Car Accident Witnesses Help Demonstrate Liability
Witnessing a car accident can be unsettling, but most people want to help when someone has been hurt. Eyewitness accounts of how an accident occurred can help establish liability, provide an unbiased perspective, and clarify the circumstances of the crash, which helps car accident attorneys assign responsibility to the appropriate parties.
For example, a pedestrian waiting to cross at an intersection may see a semi-truck driver run a red light, which directly causes an accident. Their witness statement or testimony can be a valuable element of a truck accident claim. However, it’s important to keep in mind that witnesses often have conflicting accounts of what happened. Our central New York car accident attorneys know how to use witness testimony in conjunction with other evidence to create compelling arguments and reinforce a witness’ credibility.
Corroborating Evidence
Witness testimony can also corroborate other pieces of evidence, such as traffic camera and surveillance footage, photographs, and information included in police reports. For example, if there’s video of a collision, a witness’s testimony can help shed light on the events depicted in the footage, providing that might not be clear at first glance. When witness testimony corroborates this type of evidence, it helps your car accident lawyer build a solid case.
Witness Testimony Can Support an Injured Victim’s Account of What Happened
In many car accident claims, insurance companies challenge the credibility of injured parties. This can be a problem when there is no clear-cut evidence that supports a claimant’s version of events. A car accident witness statement can bolster the claimant’s credibility by providing an unbiased account of what they saw and heard. This can be especially effective if multiple car accident witnesses provide accounts consistent with the victim’s story.
The Impact of Witness Testimony on Insurance Claims
Insurance adjusters often look to witnesses to assess the validity of a claim, determine liability, and evaluate the extent of damages. This can have a significant impact on whether a claim is successful and affect the amount of compensation an injured party may recover. Consistent, detailed witness testimony can expedite the claims process and prevent disputes by providing clear evidence of the facts of the case. In situations where witness testimony isn’t available, insurance companies may be more prone to deny liability. In addition, when an investigation drags on the settlement process is delayed.
Witness Testimony and Litigation
When a personal injury case goes to trial, witnesses are subject to cross-examination. An opposing attorney may challenge a witness’s account of events and their credibility. A well-prepared witness who can handle cross-examination without contradicting themselves can significantly strengthen a plaintiff’s case. Our car accident lawyers know how to properly prepare witnesses for depositions and cross-examination. We develop effective legal strategies and use evidence to back up their testimony. This helps us create convincing arguments that lead to successful outcomes and substantial financial recoveries for our clients.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in Central New York
If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in an accident, your dedicated local attorneys at James Alexander Law are here for you. We’ve helped more than 10,000 personal injury clients in central New York, Rochester, and the Southern Tier and North Country areas recover the compensation they deserve. To schedule a free consultation with a central New York car accident attorney, contact us online or call 1-800-529-1333. We offer two convenient locations in East Syracuse and Rochester, New York.