If you’ve been involved in a car accident, the steps you take immediately afterward could affect your ability to obtain compensation. For example, talking to pedestrians and other drivers that may have witnessed the incident could provide third-party statements to support your personal injury claim. If you’re wondering how to approach these individuals, it is best to let your car accident attorney handle the questioning.  If you see witnesses on the scene that may have observed the accident, use the following guide to gather the information you need.

What Questions to Ask

First, ask the witness where they were when the accident occurred—were they just down the street or a few feet away? Did they witness the accident from the beginning or did they roll up alongside your car once it was over? 

Encourage them to describe the accident in their own words, starting with the direction they approached from. Encourage details like which car they were focused on and what sounds they heard during the collision. 

How to Ask These Questions

When talking to the witness, refrain from any questions that might encourage their opinion. To encourage a more objective account, prompt the witness to provide specific facts, such as the weather during the incident, whether there was road work in progress, the direction of the two cars, and the sights and sounds observed during the crash. 

You don’t need to ask all these questions at the scene. Request the witnesses' names and contact information. This way, you or your car accident attorney can approach the conversation with a clearer head and a recording device available. However, it’s important to call them as close to the accident as possible, so the experience is still fresh in their mind. 

If you’re looking for a car accident attorney to help you question witnesses and present their testimonies in court, turn to Ely, Bettini, Ulman, Rosenblatt, & Ozer, Attorneys at Law. This Phoenix, AZ, firm has over two centuries of combined experience to devote to your personal injury case. With their help, you can build a strong argument for obtaining compensation for your damages. To learn more about their practice areas, visit the website. You can also call (800) 303-2144 to arrange for a consultation.