Why Witness Statements Make or Break a Personal Injury Case

The personal injury attorneys at Lowenthal & Abrams, PC are skilled at finding and vetting credible witnesses. Whether that includes independent bystanders, first responders, or experts in the medical field, their testimony can significantly strengthen your claim.

So, stick with us to learn why the testimony of individuals is crucial for persuading insurance companies or juries to award you the compensation you deserve. Here are three reasons why witness statements make or break a personal injury case.

Witness Statements Provide Objective Evidence

Independent witnesses, who have no personal stake in the outcome, are considered more credible by insurance adjusters, judges, and juries because they are more likely to provide an objective and unbiased account of an event. Victims in shock or pain may miss important details. Whereas witnesses can provide a clear, firsthand account of the accident’s cause by objectively filling in the gaps of your account and clarifying disputes.

Their Testimony Establishes Liability and Corroborates Damages

Witnesses can confirm critical details of the accident that lead to establishing liability, such as which party ran a red light, changed lanes abruptly, or behaved recklessly, for example. These individuals may also be able to relay key details like speed or failure to obey traffic laws to the jury. As well, in slip-and-fall cases, bystanders can verify that a hazard existed for a long time before the accident occurred and should have been remedied by the property owner.

Witnesses can also testify to the severity of the incident and the immediate physical or emotional distress of the victim. In some cases, these individuals are able to describe the intensity of a collision, help establish the likelihood of serious injury, and provide a report on visible injuries at the scene, such as bleeding, unconsciousness, or inability to walk.

Witnesses Can Support Negotiations

Concrete witness statements prevent insurance companies from easily minimizing or denying claims by providing independent support for your personal injury lawsuit. These individuals are critical in negotiations, often resulting in settlements up to two times higher than cases without them. Whether they are laymen or experts, their neutral, third-party validation of liability and crucial details can make, not break, your claim, while accelerating negotiations.

Let Us Help You Find Corroborating Witnesses to Bolster Your Claim

Witnesses can make or break a personal injury case in a number of ways. Their statements often prove decisive in court by reconstructing events and helping to establish negligence. When we include these statements in the demand package sent to insurance companies, it clearly showcases the strength of your claim.

At Lowenthal & Abrams, PC, our team of legal professionals has served the Philadelphia community since 1975. Connect with a member of our personal injury law firm today to discuss your claim and learn how witnesses can strengthen your case. Your initial meeting is free of charge, with no obligation.