Witnesses can explain what took place before their eyes at the time of the accident. A relevant witness is one that saw the accident take place.

Facts to be noted by victim, when talking with potential witness

• What is the witness’ name and contact information? Victims should jot those facts down.
• Where was the witness standing or sitting at the time of the accident?
• Why had the witness’ travels taken him or her to that particular spot on that specific day or night?
• How clear was the view that was seen by the witness’ eyes?

Questions that an arriving officer might ask one or more witnesses

• What was the date and time of the accident’s occurrence?
• What were traffic conditions like during the moments before the occurrence of that tragic incident?
• Did you know any of those that were involved in the collision?
• After a hit-and-run incident, there might also be questions about the vehicle that was used by the run-away driver.

Advantages enjoyed by those victims that have obtained a statement from one or more witnesses.

One or more of those statements could provide support to the story that the victim/plaintiff has given to the arriving officer and to any lawyers. As a result, members of the jury would be more apt to believe the plaintiff’s story.

The personal injury lawyers in Burlington for both parties should be able to review any statements from witnesses. After completing that review, the same lawyers should have a better feel for the strength of each party’s case.

The victim could contact any of the witnesses and try to arrange a meeting. During that meeting, the victim might be able to get a written statement from the interviewed person/witness. Later, if any witnesses’ signatures get placed on their written statements, then those same statements might be used in a court of law.

Which of the statements taken from any of the witnesses could not be used in a court of law?

Those would be any of the statements that might be found in the police record. A judge would view any one of those as hearsay, because the officer has recorded what he/she heard, and has not described an event that he/she actually saw.

What are victims allowed to tell anyone that witnessed the accident, and, as a result, could get a call from the insurance adjuster?

Victims have a right to share with others their own rights, when contacted by an adjuster. Adjusters do not have a right to force anyone to answer their questions. By the same token, no victims have a right to tell any potential witness what he or she ought to say, in response to a lawyer or adjuster’s questions.