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Legal Blog

The Importance of Witnesses in Your Personal Injury Case

A driver rear-ended you. A dog bit you. You slipped at the store. No matter the type of accident, you were hurt because someone was careless. And the only way to recover compensation is to file a personal injury claim.

But how do you prove that personal injury claim? You have to be able to convince a judge or jury that the at-fault party was negligent, and you deserve full compensation. You know what happened, but in the courtroom or at the negotiation table, it’s your word against theirs.

That is unless you have witnesses and other evidence to back you up. The Houston personal injury attorneys at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. know the importance of witnesses in your personal injury case, the types of witnesses you need, and how to find them. For help with your case, reach out to us as soon as possible.

Why Witness Testimony Matters

The person whose negligence led to your injury is not likely to admit that they’re at fault. Why would they? Under Texas law, that would almost guarantee that they would have to pay you in full for every way they harmed you.

Instead, they will try to make it seem like they weren’t at fault or maybe even that you were. If they do that, you will be unable to recover the full compensation you deserve for what happened to you. This is why witness testimony matters.

A witness is another voice confirming your side of the story. That way, it’s not your word against the word of the person who hurt you. It’s your word and your witnesses’ word against the at-fault party’s. That makes a far more powerful case for you.

Types of Witnesses in Personal Injury Cases

When you hear the word “witness,” you probably think of someone who was standing nearby when your accident happened. That is indeed one type of witness, but there are others.

Here are some types of witnesses that may help your personal injury case:

Eyewitnesses

The person walking behind you in the crosswalk when a car hit you is a classic eyewitness. They saw the accident that injured you, and they can testify in court that they saw it. They can confirm the accident’s details that show that the other side was at fault for what happened.

But there is another type of eyewitness – also called a lay witness. This person did not see the accident happen, but they have firsthand knowledge of some aspect of your personal injury case.

For example, a coworker who has seen you struggle to complete your job duties because of your injuries could be a lay witness. They could testify about the apparent severity of your injuries.

Expert Witnesses

Expert witnesses are not present at the scene of the accident. They don’t even know you. But they are experts in some aspect of your case and can testify about that subject in court.

For example, imagine a dog bit you, and that bite got infected and caused you to lose your leg. The dog owner’s attorney might say the infection that took your leg was not a direct result of the dog bite. But an expert witness who specializes in dog bites and infectious disease could demonstrate that the strain of bacteria in your bloodstream commonly comes from dog bites.

This is just one example, of course. Expert witnesses can testify about vehicle defects, psychological issues, medical questions, and more.

How Your Attorney Finds Witnesses

A common question we hear from clients is, “How do you find witnesses for a personal injury case?”

To find eyewitnesses, our lawyers will perform an exhaustive investigation. This can mean obtaining traffic camera photos or video to track down people who were nearby. We can also review police records to find potential eyewitnesses. Your attorney can also interview you to identify people in your life who could offer compelling testimony about the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.

For expert witnesses, an experienced attorney will lean on a well-developed network of experts. The Krist Law Firm P.C. has an established network of expert witnesses that can weigh in almost any personal injury case.

Speak With a Personal Injury Attorney

For help finding witnesses for your case and recovering the compensation you deserve, reach out to the Houston injury attorneys at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. To schedule a free consultation, call (281) 283-8500 or contact us online today.