As a driver, you never know when someone's bad driving habits could get in the way of your safety, but just as easily you could become a witness to another driver's accident. In the event you have witnessed a car accident that leads to a personal injury claim, there is a good chance you could be deemed a witness to the event. Having to speak with a car accident attorney about what you have saw happen may sound intimidating, but this is nothing to be afraid of. Here are a few answers to the questions you likely have on your mind.
What types of information will the car accident lawyer want from you?
If you are needed after a car accident as a witness to the event, you will be asked to give a statement proclaiming what you saw from your perspective at the scene. You may be asked about other vehicles that were nearby, obstructions of your view, or the timing of the accident. Just keep in mind that the more detail you can give, the more helpful your testimony may be.
Will you have to go to court and testify?
Not every personal injury claim will end in court. In fact, a good portion of them end with a settlement before the proceedings get that far. Therefore, it is not likely that being asked for witness statements will result in you having to take part in a lengthy trial. However, this is a possibility if a settlement is not reached and the case must go before a judge to reach a decision.
Can you choose not to be involved in the whole ordeal?
In some cases, you will be asked by a car accident lawyer to give your account of the car accident and you can choose whether or not you want to give a statement. However, if the filing makes it to a hearing before a judge, you could be legally required to give your testimony as a witness. If a lawyer believes you have witnessed the event in a way that could help, it is best to go ahead and give a statement of what you saw.
When it comes down to it, being asked to give your version of events to a car accident lawyer is nothing to be afraid of and will be a lot less complex than you expect. If you have any further questions, just be sure to ask the car accident lawyer like Allison & Rickards, Attorneys at Law, LLC.