If you have been injured in a car accident, you will need sufficient evidence of another driver’s negligence, as well as the damages you have suffered, in order to successfully pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. When you hire an attorney as soon as possible after an accident, we can help you collect various forms of evidence in a timely fashion. Often, one of the most important forms of evidence is testimony from both eyewitnesses and experts.
Different Types of Witnesses in Wisconsin Personal Injury Cases
Many different parties can provide statements or testimony that can strengthen your claim, depending on the situation. Some of the most important witnesses include:
- Eyewitnesses: Passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and anyone else who sees the accident happen can all provide crucial testimony to help establish how the accident happened and who may have been at fault. Talking to these witnesses as soon as possible after the accident ensures that their memory is fresh when providing a statement. Some of these witnesses may also have video footage of the accident from a phone or dashboard camera that they are willing to share.
- Law enforcement officers: The officers who respond to an accident will usually question the involved parties in an attempt to understand the cause of the accident. Your attorney can work with law enforcement to obtain their statements, as well as police reports, recordings of 911 calls, and other evidence that could support your case.
- Expert witnesses: In some cases, experts can help to establish the cause and effects of a car crash. For example, an accident reconstruction expert can analyze the scene of the accident and other evidence and provide a statement regarding the likely cause. Medical experts can provide valuable testimony connecting the accident to the specific injuries you have suffered.
- The victim’s friends and family: If you are seeking pain and suffering damages for the negative effects of the accident on your life, the testimony of your close friends and family members can speak to the extent to which the crash has affected you.
Written or recorded statements from witnesses can be helpful even in settlement negotiations with the at-fault party, but if it is necessary for your case to go to trial, the calling of witnesses will likely be even more important. Working with your attorney to identify anyone who can testify on your behalf can ensure that you are prepared to achieve success in your case.
Contact an Appleton, WI Personal Injury Attorney
At the Herrling Clark Law Firm Ltd., we help our clients pursue all available strategies with the goal of obtaining the most compensation possible. We will work with you to collect and preserve the evidence and witness testimony that you need to succeed. Contact a Green Bay car accident lawyer today at 920-739-7366 for a free consultation.
Sources:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/907/02