Witness-Statement Checklist

Date and location of the statement, identification of the parties to the interview, and the manner the interview is being conducted.

If by telephone request permission to record.

About the witness:

• Full name, age, address, social security number or other national identification.

• Identity of witness' employer, including address and telephone.

• Next of kin or other contacts through whom the witness can be reached?

About the scene of the accident:

• Date, time and location of the accident?

• Give a general description of street type, width, lane markings, traffic controls and so forth.

• What was the weather?

• What were the road surface conditions and type of pavement?

• What traffic signals and signs?  If signals, were they operating?

•  Was there road construction or other unusual conditions?

•  Were there any view obstructions?

About the accident:

• Where were you located?

• What caught your attention?

• Was your view obstructed or impaired?

• What was first seen?

• Where was each vehicle and pedestrian?

•  Where was each vehicle headed and its speed?

•  What was any pedestrian doing?

•  Any turn signals, headlights, horns sounded?

•  Status of traffic signals?

• Where was point of  first impact and further impacts?

• Any skidmarks and debris observed?

About what followed the accident:

• What did you do?

• With whom did you talk and what was said?

•  Can you identify or describe those involved in the accident?

•  What injuries did you observe?

•  Was anyone unconscious, dazed or in shock?

•  Was there any evidence of alcohol or other substance use by anyone in the accident?

•  If pedestrian involved, what was he or she wearing.

About further information:

•  Can you identify or describe any other wittnesses?

•  Do you know any of the witnesses or those involved in the accident?

•  Can you identify what agencies rendered emergency services.

About witness' opinion:

Who do you believe was at fault in the accident?

Why do you believe they were at fault?

Was anyone else partially at fault?

Who else was partially at fault and why?

If statement in writing:

• Have the witness read the statement and make corrections.  

• Corrections should be initialed.

• Conclusion stating the statement is true and correct to the best knowledge and belief.

• Signature of the witness.

• Identification and signature of any witness.

If recorded:

• Conclusion-- anything to add?-- reiterate permission.

• State the time concluded.

• Ask permission to turn of recorder.