February 01, 2025
A key piece of evidence that can help you build a solid compensation claim following a car accident is witness statements. However, in the confusing aftermath of an accident, many victims fail to secure details and contact information from witnesses and individuals at the scene.
Speaking to witnesses and gathering their contact information can be essential to protecting yourself after an accident with a careless driver. Keeping a list of key questions that you can ask witnesses at the scene of an accident can help you remain calm and prepare you for filing a strong compensation claim.
Top Question to Ask Witnesses at the Scene of an Indiana Car Accident
In addition to exchanging information with the other parties involved in the accident and documenting the scene as thoroughly as possible with photographs and videos, you should take time to speak with witnesses. Witnesses can provide valuable insight into the cause of the crash. Some of the top questions you should ask witnesses at the scene of an Indiana car accident include:
What is your contact information?
It seems silly, but it may be one of the most vital questions you ask a witness at the accident scene. The aftermath of an accident can be confusing and painful if you’ve suffered serious injuries. Always ask witnesses for their contact information, such as their name and a phone number where you can reach them. If you don’t have the time or physical ability to remain on scene and get detailed statements from them with contact information, you can reach out and speak with them at a more convenient and less stressful time.
Can you explain what you saw in your own words?
Ask witnesses open-ended questions and let them explain the situation in their own words. It doesn’t help to put words in their mouths or ask leading questions. Open-ended questions like explaining what you saw in your own words, let them describe the situation without leading them in a particular direction. This question is the best way to start because it lets the witness establish their unbiased narrative.
Can you provide more details?
Once a witness describes what they say, you can ask for more details to solidify their memory and get more specific details about certain aspects of what they saw or noticed at the time of the accident.
Where were you in relation to where the accident occurred?
You need to know where the witness was located to understand better what they saw and from what perspective. Ask them to describe their location, where they saw the accident occur, what they noticed about each vehicle before the crash, and the general conditions of their surroundings. Did they notice changes in traffic patterns? What was the weather like?
What were you doing just before the accident?
Ask questions that establish what the witness was doing before the accident. If they were standing in a crosswalk waiting for the light to change, they might have more details about the accident because they were more aware of their surroundings than someone who had their head down and was texting on their phone.
Did you see anyone else in the area who may have seen what happened?
Taking in everything happening during a stressful time, like a car accident, can be challenging. The one witness you noticed may have seen others who had a better view of the accident and could provide additional information. Ask if anyone else saw what happened and allow them to point out others who could give you additional details.
Is there anything else I should know about the accident?
Small details can be tricky to pin down. Ask other open-ended questions, like, “Is there anything else you think I should know?” This question may trigger a witness to remember or offer additional details they may not have provided in their initial statement.
When asking witnesses questions, try to remain calm. Do not lead them in a particular direction or force them to point the finger at someone. Always ask for their contact information if you need more information later, and record the details of your initial interaction as accurately as possible.
Contact an Indiana Car Accident Attorney for Assistance
Interviewing witnesses after a car accident can be overwhelming when you are coping with traumatic injuries. Get as much information as possible and contact an experienced Indiana car accident attorney for help. At Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers, our skilled attorneys can gather and preserve the evidence needed to build a compelling compensation claim.
Call our office at (219) 286-7361 or contact us online to arrange a no-obligation consultation.
