How Witness Statements Can Impact Your Injury Claim

If you’re involved in any type of legal proceedings, especially a personal injury case, you may be wondering who can act as a witness in your case and how their statements will impact your settlement. 

In this guide, our team from Larry Wall Trial Law will explain the role of witness statements in personal injury cases. For help with an existing claim, consider consulting a personal injury lawyer.

Witness Statements 101: What Are They, and Who Can Make Them?

A witness testimony is an official statement made by someone who has directly seen the accident being investigated or has knowledge of relevant details regarding it. Witnesses are often asked to testify in court to shed more light on how an accident happened. This can be especially useful when parties disagree on certain details, when liability is disputed, or when there isn’t enough evidence to prove fault or damages. 

For example, a shopper at a grocery store might have seen a fellow customer slip and fall on a slippery surface. The witness could testify, explaining what they saw and the hazards that caused the accident. 

Bystanders are not the only people who can act as witnesses, though. Personal injury claims can include multiple types of testimonies:

• Eyewitness statements: These come from witnesses who saw the accident happen.
• Professional witness testimony: These are provided by professionals who can testify based on their knowledge in their specific field. For example, a medical professional may offer a statement regarding the plaintiff’s injuries and limitations.
• Character statements: These are offered by people who were not involved in the accident but can provide context regarding the credibility of witnesses, defendants, or plaintiffs. 

How Do Testimonies Impact Personal Injury Claims?

So, what is the role of witness statements in personal injury cases? First, they can potentially validate the plaintiff’s claim.

For example, if the plaintiff argues that they slipped on spilled milk in a grocery store, a witness may be able to confirm this. Similarly, witness statements can also strengthen the plaintiff’s credibility. By confirming that certain details of the plaintiff’s story are true, witness statements often encourage the court or insurers to trust the rest of their claim. 

In some cases, witness statements are necessary for filling in details where evidence is lacking. For example, if a truck side swipes you and claims that you collided with their vehicle, a witness could help clear up the details. 

Character statements and testimonies from medical providers add a human element to your case as well. These testimonies help insurers or courts see how injuries have affected your daily life beyond the economic numbers presented in the case. 

Still, it’s important to note that witness statements can work against your claim. Defendants may bring in their own opposing witnesses to challenge things like injury severity. 

Speak With a Lawyer About Your Case Today

The role of witness statements in personal injury case settlements cannot be overstated. At Larry Wall Trial Law, we support clients from the initial consultation through evidence collection, after deposition, and all the way to trial when necessary. Call us at (316) 265-6000 to schedule a consultation.