Most people have heard the terms “direct evidence” and “circumstantial evidence.” Most people also know that quality of evidence goes a long way in bringing about a successful result in a personal injury action. At Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates, we pride ourselves on our ability to take cases to trial and win! That is why we spend substantial time and money investigating our client’s cases and developing evidence that can convince juries to award large verdicts.
Our clients often ask, however, what is the difference between circumstantial and direct evidence in a personal injury case, and which is better?
Direct evidence is evidence that establishes the facts at issue. In an auto accident lawsuit, it can take the form of eyewitness testimony from a person that actually saw the defendant run a red light. It can also take the form of photographs of a surgery scar, or x-rays of a broken arm.
Circumstantial evidence, on the other hand, is evidence that is less absolute, but often equally as compelling. This is especially the case because it makes a juror feel as though he or she is part of the investigation! Circumstantial evidence consumes everything that is not direct evidence, but which is subject to probability.
For example, direct evidence that it rained at night would include a video of it raining. Circumstantial evidence includes testimony that a person went to bed after noticing that the street was dry, and then waking up and observing that the street was wet. Both types of evidence are admissible in court to show that it rained at night. Both are equally compelling.
Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates – Philadelphia Auto Accident Attorneys Who Know How to Present the Evidence Necessary to Win Your Car Accident Case
At Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates, we investigate every accident case thoroughly to try to gather the right kind of evidence that is needed to win your case. We represent victims of all types of personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents such as car crashes, trucking accidents, pedestrian accidents and bus crashes. Call us at 215-567-6600 or contact us online the next time you are involved in accident and want an experienced, knowledgeable personal injury attorney at your side. We offer free consultations.