Importance of Witness Statements in Car Accident Cases in WA

One of the most important things we advise anyone to do in the event of a car crash is to get the name and contact information of any witnesses who can be found. It might not seem like a priority in the chaos of an accident scene — especially if you're shaken, injured, or trying to deal with vehicle damage — but those witness details can become crucial to winning your personal injury claim later on.

Why? Because when it’s your word against the other driver’s, a reliable witness can tip the scale. Their statements offer an objective account of how the accident happened, which can help clarify fault, validate your injuries, and support your insurance claim or lawsuit.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly why witness statements matter in Washington car accident cases, what makes them credible, and how to make sure they work in your favor.

What Is a Car Accident Witness Statement?

A witness statement is a written or recorded account from someone who saw or experienced key events related to your car accident. These accounts can come from:

• Neutral bystanders or passersby
• Passengers in your vehicle
• First responders or law enforcement officials
• Co-workers or family members who observe how your injuries affect your daily life

A detailed witness statement should include an objective account of how the accident occurred, what the accident scene looked like, and what the individuals involved were doing at the time. The best witness statements provide valuable context that supports your version of events and contradicts the other party’s claims.

Why Witness Testimony Matters in a Car Accident Claim

Here’s the reality: insurance adjusters don’t just take your word for it. It’s their job to look for any reason to justify paying you as little money as possible or none at all. If you’re trying to prove that the other driver ran a red light or was speeding when the collision occurred, having a credible accident witness back you up and support your version of the facts can carry a lot more weight.

Witness statements are especially important when:

• Who’s at fault is disputed
• Traffic laws were violated (e.g., running a stop sign or red light)
• You were injured and need to prove the other driver’s negligence
• You’re seeking maximum compensation for a personal injury lawsuit

Think of witness testimony like a second camera angle in a sports replay — it adds clarity, confirms the facts, and makes your claim harder to dismiss.

For example, if you've been disabled from work because of the crash-related injuries and you’re claiming wage loss after the car accident, witness statements can be significant evidence in proving the other driver was at fault.

How Witness Statements Help During Insurance Claims and Lawsuits

Insurance companies have one goal: to pay as little as possible. A strong, credible witness statement can make it that much harder for them to justify not paying you what is fair.

During negotiations, these statements can:

• Support your timeline and details
• Counter false claims from the other party
• Show that you were following traffic laws
• Demonstrate the impact of the crash on your health and daily life

And if your case ends up in court, having a prior witness statement becomes even more critical. Sometimes, it takes a few years to get a case to trial where a witness has to testify about something that happened years ago. In many instances, a witness’s memory may fade, and they may not be able to recall specific details. A good plaintiff’s attorney, however, will obtain the witness's recorded statement soon after the accident so that, a few years later during trial, their recollection can be refreshed if they don’t remember certain details of the accident.

Who Can Be a Witness in a Car Accident?

Different types of witnesses can help your case, including:

• Eyewitnesses: People who saw the accident happen (e.g., other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists).
• Supporting witnesses: People who know how the accident has affected you (e.g., your boss, spouse, physical therapist).
• Expert witnesses: Often used in more serious car accident cases, these include doctors or accident reconstruction experts. Medical doctors can detail your medical injuries and the treatment you underwent. Accident reconstruction experts can explain to the jury how the crash occurred and who was at fault

What If I Can’t Find a Witness?

Not every accident has an obvious eyewitness, but there are still ways to strengthen your case. Here’s how:

• Look for surveillance video: From nearby businesses, homes, or public cameras.
• Use your own dashcam footage: This can serve as video evidence to support your version of events.
• Collect statements from support witnesses: Friends, family, or coworkers who notice changes in your physical abilities, emotional state, or work capacity.
• Leverage expert testimony: Medical professionals can explain the severity and cause of your injuries in detail.

Your personal injury attorney will help gather and preserve all available evidence to support your car accident case.

What Makes a Witness Credible?

Not every witness strengthens your case. Insurance companies — and eventually, the judge if the case goes to trial — will consider several factors when weighing a statement:

• No connection to the involved parties
• Consistent and detailed description of the accident
• No history of dishonesty or cognitive impairment
• Not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time

Impartial witnesses, such as passersby with no stake in the outcome, are often the most valuable. Your personal injury attorney will vet all potential witnesses before using them in your car accident litigation.

How Do I Collect Witness Statements?

The best time to gather witness information is right after the accident — ideally, at the accident scene. Here’s what to do:

• Ask for contact details
• Request a brief statement
• Take notes or record
• Share with your attorney

If you weren’t able to gather statements at the time, don’t panic. Law enforcement officials may have already spoken to witnesses for the police report, and dashcam footage or nearby surveillance video may capture those who were present.

Essential Details for a Car Accident Witness Statement

Here’s what exactly car accident witness statements should include:

1. Witness Identification Information

A proper statement includes the witness’s full legal name, home address, and phone number so they can be contacted for follow-up if necessary.

2. Accident Parties, Details, Time, and Location

The statement should note the names of those involved, vehicle details, the exact time of the collision, and the specific location, such as an intersection, address, or highway marker.

3. Description of How the Accident Occurred

It should outline the sequence of events from the witness’s perspective, detailing what was seen before, during, and after the crash.

4. Observations of Injuries and Property Damage

The account should document any visible injuries and describe the extent and type of vehicle or property damage observed.

5. Additional Contributing Factors

Weather, road conditions, traffic flow, or other circumstances that could have influenced the accident should be included for context.

6. Signature and Date of the Statement

A signed and dated statement confirms its authenticity and allows it to be used by insurers, attorneys, or law enforcement if needed.

Don’t Let Witness Statements Work Against You

It’s just as important to avoid making statements that might hurt your case. Never give an off-the-cuff comment to the other driver or their insurer like “I didn’t see them coming” — it could be twisted into an admission of fault.

Also, don’t speak to insurance adjusters without your lawyer present. Even your own insurance company may try to downplay the accident’s severity or deny your uninsured motorist coverage.

Don’t make comments about the accident or your injuries and disabilities on social media. In many instances, insurance companies have private investigators trolling your social media feeds for anything they can use to justify paying you less money or denying your claim outright. Actually, after a serious accident, don’t post anything on social media at all, such as vacations you’ve taken, pictures of things you’ve done, or events you’ve attended. All of these types of things, no matter how innocent-looking, can be twisted and used against you at trial.

Don’t Settle for Less — Because We Won’t

If you've been in a car accident and are struggling to recover compensation, witness statements may be one of the most powerful tools available to you.

The Washington car accident lawyers at Lehmbecker Law have decades of experience securing fair compensation for accident victims, and we know how to build a case with detailed statements, credible witnesses, and other evidence that supports your personal injury claim.

Contact us and let us handle the insurance company on your behalf. Put our vast experience to work for you to win the money you’re owed — and make sure your voice is heard in the legal process.