Witness Statements in Auto Accident Claims

The Importance of Witness Statements in Auto Accident Claims

/by

When you decide to pursue compensation after a car accident, there are many types of evidence your attorney may use to build a strong case on your behalf. One type of evidence that often comes into play is witness statements. While your version of events provides a foundation for your case, input from third parties is also extremely helpful.

Learn more about how eyewitnesses and expert witnesses can support your car accident case in Biloxi. When you are ready for more personalized advice regarding your claim, call the personal injury team of Gardner Law Group at 228-436-6555.

What Are Witness Statements?

There are two main types of witness statements your attorney may rely on during your case. First, eyewitness statements provide insight into what happened before, during, and after the crash. Witness statements may come from drivers involved in the collision, passengers in both vehicles, pedestrians, people in nearby homes or businesses, and other drivers in the vicinity.


Expert witnesses may also provide statements useful to your case. They comment on their area of expertise and explain specific parts of your crash. For example, an accident reconstruction specialist may use science to explain how the accident happened. Medical experts may be able to link your injuries to the crash. Engineering experts may be able to describe how a vehicle malfunction led to a crash.

How They Can Build Credibility and Corroborate Your Statement

Eyewitness statements can go a long way in building your credibility. In many cases, you have two stories: Driver A and Driver B. There are often key differences separating these stories, and the insurance companies know that only one version of events can be true. This is where eyewitness testimony can be especially helpful. If their retelling of events supports what you say happened, this highlights your truthfulness. If their story points out obvious flaws or lies in the other party’s story, it may harm their credibility. It’s common for eyewitness statements to corroborate important details and key events in a driver’s story.

Adding Important Details and Perspectives

No matter how much you remember of the car crash, there’s only so much you can know. In the heat of the moment, it is impossible to take in every single detail of what’s happening around you. Eyewitnesses can fill in these gaps and provide supporting evidence for your claim. 

For example, imagine an eyewitness was driving next to the other driver for several minutes before they sped up. If that eyewitness saw that the other driver had their eyes on their phone the entire time, that may show your lawyer that they need to subpoena the driver’s phone records and prove their liability. 

Eyewitnesses can also provide different perspectives. For example, if they drive that route on a regular basis, they may be able to point out that the crash happened at an intersection where one party’s stop sign is obscured by overgrown brush. This can make it easier for both insurance parties to figure out liability.

Limitations of Witness Statements

While eyewitness statements may be a helpful tool in your car accident claim, they aren’t infallible. Potential issues that may arise include:

  • Concerns about accuracy: While most people believe that eyewitness testimony is the gold standard in evidence, the fact is that humans are extremely suggestible and prone to forgetfulness. Their stories may change based on input from others, other evidence they are presented with, and just the passage of time. This makes it harder to know what is true and what isn’t.
  • Conflicting stories: An eyewitness’s story is likely to change over time. This doesn’t mean they are lying. It may mean that their memories have changed and they have recalled details that they couldn’t initially recall. However, these changes may make them appear unreliable.
  • Credibility concerns: If an eyewitness has any ties to either party involved in the crash, their words will have considerably less weight than if they are a truly neutral third party.
  • Cooperation: Eyewitnesses can be hard to track down and interview. They have been known to ignore phone calls and even court summons.

Fight for Full and Fair Compensation with Gardner Law Group

When you choose Gardner Law Group, you know that we will use every piece of evidence in the most effective way possible. Our goal is to secure the compensation you are owed. Set up your consultation now by getting in touch online or calling 228-436-6555.