Being involved in an accident might be one of the most life-changing experiences you have ever endured in your life. There are many things that we never expect if we have been injured in an accident, especially everything that goes into a personal injury claim. One of the most difficult aspects that you will have to endure is actually proving what happened at the time of your accident. When it is your word against the word of another party, you might feel disheartened wondering if your version of events will be accepted at face value or if the judge in your case will brush you off. This is why it is imperative to have the best witnesses to back up your testimony.
There are two types of witnesses that you might find in a personal injury claim: individual witnesses and expert witnesses. Today we want to focus on both types and why they are essential to your case as you make a claim for compensation.
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First, let’s take a closer look at what an individual witness is and what they can do for you in the midst of your claim. Though some accidents will take place in areas where only you and the other party could be seen for miles, most accidents will take place in the presence of others. Whether this was somebody who was riding along with you in your vehicle or someone from another vehicle who witnessed your accident, individual witnesses can play a substantial role in your case. If somebody witnessed your accident, they will be able to give testimony on the exact details of what you saw, which might play an important role in your case, especially if the other party is at fault.
Remembering facts is not always an easy thing to do, which is why written statements must be taken immediately following an accident. If not, the facts of your case might be remembered differently as time goes on, which means that the judge in your case might be less likely to take these details at face value and might question what is true and what isn’t. If you have been seriously affected by an accident, an individual witness who saw it happen in front of them is one of the best tools that you can have when it comes to receiving compensation.
The other type of witness you might find in a personal injury claim is an expert witness. These are witnesses who were not there at the time of your accident but can instead explain facts to the judge or jury that they might not have known. These types of experts are typically doctors and other medical professionals, insurance agents, or even road engineers. What an expert witness says can have a huge impact on your claim and your right to restitution, as they carry tremendous weight in the courtroom with their knowledge of many subjects.
How an Attorney Can Help
Now that you have gained a better understanding of how witnesses work, it is time to speak with an attorney about what options you have as you move forward. At Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner, our experienced personal injury attorneys have handled a wide variety of car accident cases in West Virginia, especially those involving serious injuries and clients who are looking to move forward after this difficult time. We will walk you through the process of your personal injury claim as you work toward results. Please contact us at (304) 713-2014 for more information on how we can help.