Why Are Witnesses Important After A Car Accident?

In New Jersey, victims of a car accident caused by a negligent driver have the choice to file a personal injury claim to earn compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. A driver acts negligently when they fail their civic duty of minimizing harm to others, such as if they drive under the influence of alcohol. When seeking restitution, a personal injury lawyer might seek various forms of evidence, including witness statements. Have you ever wondered how witnesses could help after a car accident in New Jersey? Our firm is here to help. Read this blog or reach out to a Morris County Car Accident Attorney today to learn more!

HOW CAN WITNESSES HELP A PERSONAL INJURY ACCIDENT CLAIM?

New Jersey is a no-fault state, meaning that your own insurance will be responsible for covering your own damages no matter who is at fault for the accident. However, you can still file a personal injury claim to earn restitution from the at-fault driver. This is why witnesses at a car accident are incredibly important. In order to win your personal injury claim, you’ll need to prove that the at-fault driver acted negligently and caused the accident. If there is no surveillance video of the accident or what led to the accident, you’ll need either witness statements or help from an accident reconstruction expert to prove your claim. Accident reconstruction experts can be expensive, so witnesses can make or break a personal injury case.

HOW CAN I GATHER WITNESS STATEMENTS?

If police officers arrive on the scene of the car accident, they will likely interview witnesses of the accident to establish which driver was at fault. If for some reason police don’t report to the scene or don’t interview witnesses, you can speak to witnesses yourself. Possible witnesses can be other drivers around that weren’t involved in the accident or pedestrians who saw the incident occur. Keep in mind that insurance adjusters may also contact witnesses and influence their statements. While you can encourage a witness to help you and ask for their contact information, you shouldn’t harass any witnesses that are unwilling to give testimonies.

Have you recently been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent person? Are you seeking an effective personal injury attorney who has your best interests in mind? Look no further because Lutz Injury Law is here to fight for you! Contact our experienced team today for high-quality legal counseling.