Checklist for Witnesses of a Car Accident

When speaking to a witness of a car accident, it’s important to ask clear, relevant questions to gather an accurate account of what they saw. Having this information will help your attorney at Anthem Injury Lawyers to build a strong case for you. Here’s a checklist to help you cover key information. It is a good idea to print this out and keep a copy in your glove box or save a copy to your iPhone or Android.

1. Basic Witness Information

– Name: Get the witness’s full name.

– Contact Information: Record their phone number and/or email address.

– Location of Witness: Ask where they were positioned when the accident occurred (e.g., on the sidewalk, in a nearby car).

 

2. Accident Details

– What Did You See?: Ask them to describe what they saw leading up to, during, and after the accident.

– Which Direction Were the Vehicles Going?: Clarify the directions and lanes of each vehicle involved.

– Time of Accident: Confirm the approximate time they witnessed the accident to match with your timeline.

– Weather and Road Conditions: Ask them to describe the conditions (e.g., rain, visibility, lighting, road surface) to support or clarify your account of the environment.

 

3. Actions of Each Driver

– Behavior of the Drivers: Ask if they noticed any aggressive, distracted, or impaired driving behaviors.

– Traffic Signals and Signs: Did any driver run a red light, stop sign, or ignore any other traffic signals?

– Speed Estimation: Ask if they can estimate the speed of each vehicle involved.

 

4. Impact Details

– Point of Impact: Ask where the collision occurred on each vehicle (e.g., front bumper, rear).

– Order of Events: Request details on the sequence of the accident (who hit whom, any chain reactions).

 

5. Injuries and Reactions

– Did You See Any Injuries?: If they noticed any visible injuries immediately after the accident, ask for specifics.

– Driver and Passenger Reactions: Ask if they observed any unusual reactions or behavior after the accident (e.g., stumbling, anger, remorse).

 

6. Aftermath of the Accident

– Were Any Drivers on Their Phones?: Witnesses may have seen a driver using their phone or other devices after the accident.

– Additional Witnesses: Ask if they saw anyone else who might have also witnessed the accident.

 

7. Photographs or Video Evidence

– Did You Capture Any Photos or Video?: If they took photos or recorded any footage, ask for copies.

– Can You Describe Any Other Evidence?: If they noticed any skid marks, debris, or other physical evidence, have them describe it.

 

8. Statement Confirmation

– Ask for Written Confirmation: Politely ask the witness if they’re willing to provide a written statement and testify if necessary.

– Clarify Any Follow-up: Confirm if they are okay with follow-up questions and any legal correspondence.

 

Using this checklist helps ensure you gather a thorough account from the witness that can be valuable if you need to prove your case in a legal setting or for insurance purposes. Anthem Injury Lawyers is here for you if you or a loved one has been in a car accident. Call or visit us online today at AnthemInjuryLaw.com to have your case reviewed for free. You don’t pay unless you win with Anthem Injury Lawyers, your local car accident attorneys.