Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
When a car accident happens, everything can feel chaotic. In the middle of that confusion, one thing that often helps make sense of what occurred is a statement from someone who saw it unfold. These witness accounts can play a significant role in insurance claims and legal cases, especially when the facts are disputed.
Whether it’s a fender bender or a serious collision, witness statements can support your version of events, challenge inaccurate claims, or fill in missing details. In Oklahoma, where fault can affect how much compensation you receive, getting these statements quickly and preserving them properly matters.
A witness is someone who saw the accident but wasn’t involved in it. Because they don’t have anything to gain or lose, their accounts are often considered neutral and reliable.
These statements help clarify the following:
Oklahoma uses a comparative negligence system. This means your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partly at fault.
Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule. This means if you’re found partially at fault for the crash, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault. — Oklahoma Statutes Title 23, §13
That’s why clear, accurate witness statements can significantly impact a claim for a vehicle accident.
The best time to collect a witness statement is right after the accident. People remember things best when they’ve just happened. If you’re able to, ask witnesses for:
If someone isn’t ready to state the scene, you can follow up with them later—don’t wait too long.
The sooner you document a witness account, the more reliable the information tends to be. Memory fades, and details get lost after just a few days. — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Step | Task | Notes |
| 1 | Ensure scene is safe | Call emergency services if needed |
| 2 | Identify witnesses | Ask if they saw what happened |
| 3 | Ask open-ended questions | Let them describe things in their own words |
| 4 | Get permission to record | Use audio or video if possible |
| 5 | Store safely | Keep written and digital copies in secure places |
| 6 | Share with your attorney | Helps during insurance or legal processes |
Witnesses may not remember everything clearly unless asked the right questions. Avoid yes/no questions. Instead, ask them to describe the whole scene. Some helpful questions include:
These types of questions help jog the witness’s memory and provide a fuller picture of what happened.
Most witnesses are honest, but not always. Sometimes, people may lie or mix up what they see. Signs of a questionable witness include:
In Oklahoma, knowingly giving false information during an investigation is against the law.
Providing false information in connection with an accident investigation may result in misdemeanor charges under Oklahoma law. — Oklahoma Statutes Title 21, §540
If you suspect a witness isn’t being truthful, let your lawyer know. They can compare the statement with other evidence to check for accuracy.
Smartphones are powerful tools for documenting accident scenes. You can use your phone to:
Just be sure to ask the witness for permission before recording.
Smartphone recordings—when obtained ethically—are among the most persuasive forms of evidence in disputed car accident claims.
Also, avoid posting witness recordings on social media. Keep the information private and secure.
Once you’ve collected a witness statement, store it carefully. Written notes should be kept safe, and audio or video recordings should be backed up and labeled clearly.
If you’re working with a lawyer, share this information with them. They’ll know how to organize and use it effectively. Witness statements may also be used during insurance negotiations, in depositions, or court.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps clients gather and protect this kind of evidence from the start. With a legal team in your corner, you don’t have to manage the details alone.
Ideally, within the first 24–48 hours. That’s when memories are most precise and most accurate. If that’s not possible, getting contact info for follow-up is the next best step.
Yes, but only with the witness’s permission. Recordings can be invaluable, exceptionally, when preserved securely. Avoid sharing on social media or tampering with the file.
False statements can be challenged through evidence like video footage, vehicle damage, or other witness accounts. Your lawyer can help assess the credibility of each witness.
Yes, but they must be collected legally and often need to be verified or supported by other evidence. If challenged, some may require formal affidavits or depositions.
Start with open-ended prompts like “What did you see?” and “What happened next?” Avoid questions that suggest a specific answer or lead the witness in any way.
Yes. If you’re unable, a police officer, passenger, or attorney can help collect and document statements. Your legal team can also contact witnesses later if details were collected at the scene.
Witness statements are one of the most valuable tools after a Tulsa car accident. They offer a fresh, unbiased look at what happened and can fill in details that help prove fault. But timing and accuracy matter. The earlier you gather and protect this information, the better.
Whether you’re just starting a claim or facing disputes about what happened, having the proper evidence on your side can make all the difference. The team at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers is here to help you document what matters, protect your rights, and seek the compensation you deserve.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
