With some car accidents, it is fairly simple to determine what happened. When someone is rear ended, for instance, it is usually very clear which driver is at fault. However, some car accidents are not that simple. Some accidents may involve multiple vehicles and have multiple drivers. That is one reason why witness testimony is so important.
Is Witness Testimony Reliable?
Whenever a lawyer needs to present evidence, they have to decide if the type of evidence is reliable. That is because a person’s description of a scene can never be true to the actual event.
Whether witness testimony is reliable depends upon many things. How much time has passed from the event the witness is recalling? Over time, people forget details. That is why it is very important for your car accident lawyer to track down all witnesses and get their recorded statements. The sooner this happens, the better their recollection.
When a witness has to testify at trial in front of a jury, it could be several years after the accident. The witness could easily forget details about the car accident. However, if their recorded statement was taken soon after the crash and then it was transcribed, the witness is allowed to refresh their memory years later by reading the transcription of their statement. This is a tactic that knowledgeable lawyers often use.
The most reliable witness testimony is when it is combined with other types of evidence. For example, when there are three witnesses to a car crash and all three people basically say the same thing happened, then most likely their versions of the facts are probably accurate. Witness testimony that is combined with photographs is also good evidence.
If possible, you should get the name and contact information of any witness who was at the scene of the accident.
Atlantic City Car Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Can Help You Collect and Preserve Witness Statements
Being injured in a serious car accident can cause a lot of anxiety and fear, but you do not have to go through it alone. One of our Atlantic City car accident lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm will protect your rights and help you collect evidence for your case, including witness testimony. Call us at 609-926-3300 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we serve clients across South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and Woodbury.