Very often these reports are completed by a third party with an incomplete understanding of how the accident occurred. If a claim comes to court, much will depend on the version of events contained in the company's records. Judges are often impressed by records that have been made shortly after the accident while the events were fresh in mind. It is vital to prepare a short but accurate statement which sets out all the relevant facts. This statement should also be written as soon as possible after the event.
Witnesses are very important.
It is essential to obtain names and addresses of all eye-witnesses so that statements can be taken at a later date. We will obtain statements ourselves but it can be very helpful if preliminary statements are taken from these witnesses. If so, their names and addresses should also be obtained for later use. If so, this evidence will be very useful. We may be able to show that the employer was to blame for failing to take notice of and to act upon accidents involving others.