When an accident occurs, your initial concern may be to find out whether you or anyone else has been injured severely. In the case that you are fortunate enough to suffer minor injuries that do not require immediate hospitalization, and the scene is under control, your next step should be to call the police and make an official report of the accident. Afterwards, the next important thing you should do is talk to any witnesses in the vicinity. It’s one so many in the confusion of an accident forget to do, but a step that may be crucial to leveraging your case.
If you speak to an accident attorney after the event, they will tell you that it is essential to have witness testimonies if you wish to pursue a case. If the case goes to trial, factors such as proof of negligence, evidence, and compensation will come into play. If you have a camera, you should take some shots of the scene so you are not struggling to remember certain details in the future.
If the witnesses are willing to testify, it is a good idea to ask your attorney to interview them as soon as possible, while their memory is still fresh. If applicable, your lawyer may even speak to the witness at the accident scene to get a first-hand narration of how the incident occurred.
A lawyer has the necessary training and skills to ask relevant questions to determine the credibility of the witness. They should ask them to describe what they saw, heard, and their own personal account of what they think occurred. The lawyer should also gather information about the location of the witness and whether they had a clear view of the accident scene.
Also, your lawyer ought to inquire whether any other circumstances might have contributed to the crash. It would make a big difference if the witness noticed that the offending driver sounded drunk or was speaking on their mobile phone right before the collision. Your legal representative should inquire if the witness will agree to testify in a court of law. If they are willing to testify, you should take all their relevant contact details for future reference.
When you’re involved in an auto accident, the last thing on your mind may be to search the area for any witnesses, but after you’ve verified that you and anyone else involved isn’t seriously injured and you’ve notified the police, it is the next most important step to take. If you’ve been involved in an auto accident in Albuquerque or anywhere throughout New Mexico, Parnall Law Firm can assist you with your case, including questioning any possible witnesses that you may have.
