Not all accidents are preventable, which is why they continue to occur every day in Florida. After you have been harmed in an accident that was the fault of another party, it is important that you immediately identify as many witnesses as possible before you leave the scene. They are the best go-to when it comes to providing you with useful information that you might not have noticed in your own accident.

The truth is, many injured victims are so shocked by the accident or so badly injured that they are not in the best position to gather all information necessary for a future claim. If you have received the names and contact information of a witness, they will be able to follow up with you and provide you with any information that you might have missed. There are some things that you should always ask a witness who saw your car accident occur.

What to Ask a Car Accident Witness 

After a car accident, finding witnesses is important. However, it is also essential that you find credible witnesses who will be able to provide you with honest answers.

Can you state in your own words what you saw happen? You should always ask open-ended questions when it comes to the accident, as you will invite the witness to give as much detail as possible. You should never ask them a question that will end in a ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ because it could make them feel as if you are looking for a particular answer.

What were you doing before the accident took place? Many people do not have their attention focused on one sole thing at the time of the accident. They are focused on their own driving, which means that many people will miss exactly what happened at the scene of the collision. However, the witness may have been right behind you at the time, which means that it was easier for them to see what happened and could have caused them to take notice of many aspects of the accident.

Where were you when the accident occurred? Was the witness in a position where they could actually see what happened at the time? It always helps to have a variety of witnesses give their statements because they might have seen different details take place from other angles. You should find out how far away the witnesses were and if they were closer to one driver and could see any traffic signals at the time. 

Do you know any of the parties involved in the accident? If you knew anybody involved in the accident, the courts may believe that you are a biased witness. If there was no relationship between you and the witness, they are seen as ‘credible.’

Can I have your contact information? This is one of the most important questions because you do not want to lose contact with a witness. They may have to give a follow-up statement or appear in court.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help 

Right after an accident has taken place, you might be feeling confused and stressed about the aftermath and where you will turn. Any type of car accident in Florida can leave you in a challenging position as you attempt to work toward compensation for your damages. Our personal injury attorneys at Sheftall & Associates have dedicated ourselves to helping those in need every step of the way. Please contact a car accident attorney in Florida immediately at (904) 575-9026.