How to Gather Witness Statements After an Accident

Gathering witness statements after an accident can be done once everyone is safe. Look for nearby witnesses and, if possible, get video or recorded statements. Afterward, contact an attorney for further guidance.

Victims of car crashes seeking a competent Phoenix car accident attorney can count on Gage Mathers. We’ve helped our clients recover millions of dollars–often based on witness testimony. We’ll fight to make sure every witness is found and interviewed to help win your case. 

In the meantime, here are some tips on how to gather witness statements after an accident:

Safety First

After a car accident, nothing is more important than the wellbeing of those involved. Make sure you are okay and, if you are, begin assisting others. Next, dial 911. 

After everyone is out of immediate danger, it’s time to look around and see who may have witnessed the accident. Pull out your phone and start recording. Stay calm, because the next few minutes are critical. 

The Importance of Documenting

Don’t be afraid to shout, “Did anyone see what happened?” to those within earshot. If people are nearby, they may be willing to provide a statement. 

If possible, a video statement is best, as it allows the person to be easily identified if they need to be found later. If the person does not want to be recorded, ask them politely to remain at the scene until police arrive. You can also ask for their contact information if they are in a hurry to leave. 

Remember to ask for the names and phone numbers of anyone who provides a statement. Once the police are on scene, cooperate with their instructions and calmly explain your side of the story.

If you aren’t sure whose fault the accident was, avoid making definitive statements. Say things like, “Our cars collided” rather than, “I hit their car.” This includes statements that you make to nearby witnesses. Lastly, never apologize, as this can be seen as admitting fault. 

Contact a Car Accident Attorney Right Away

Do not wait to contact an attorney. Car accident and personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and can advise you on the steps you need to take. They’ll outline the process and ask you to provide any evidence you have. 

After you’ve given evidence to the attorney, they will investigate to find other possible witnesses and additional evidence. You likely weren’t the only person to dial 911, and having these witness recordings can be important.  

Other evidence, such as CCTV camera footage and third-party dash cam footage, can also be helpful. An experienced lawyer understands how traffic laws affect car accident claims in Arizona. Even the smallest details, like a missing yield sign, can completely change the outcome of a settlement.

The longer a person waits to contact an attorney, the harder it may be for them to find evidence. Remember–camera footage is only kept for so long, and witnesses can move at any time. CCTV systems often overwrite data after two to four weeks, and dash cam footage can be overwritten as quickly as within one to two hours. After a short period, even a missing yield sign may be replaced. Once evidence is gone, it’s gone forever. 

Gage Mathers Leaves No Stone Unturned

From the moment you call or visit our office, our team of legal professionals will begin assisting you. Consultation is completely risk-free and is at no cost to you. 

We will work tirelessly to find the evidence needed to win your case. In particularly extreme cases of injury, disability, or death, millions of dollars may be on the line. We have accident reconstruction experts on call who can investigate the crash and fill the role of expert witnesses in accident cases that end up in court. Their testimony may be the key that unlocks the money you deserve!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 23 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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