Protecting Yourself When Signing a Witness Affidavit in Connecticut Car Accident Cases

Short answer: Before you sign any affidavit, confirm every factual statement is accurate and limited to what you personally observed. Do not guess, do not sign blank documents, keep a copy, and consider asking for time to review or consulting an attorney if you are unsure. Making a knowingly false statement in a sworn document may expose you to criminal charges under Connecticut law. This is general information only and not legal advice.

Detailed answer

1. What an affidavit is and why it matters

An affidavit is a written statement of facts that you swear or affirm is true, usually before a notary public. In car-accident claims, an affidavit from a witness can affect insurance investigations, settlement negotiations, or court proceedings. Because an affidavit is sworn, false statements can have legal consequences.

2. Legal risks under Connecticut law

Under Connecticut law, knowingly making a false statement in a sworn document can lead to criminal charges such as perjury or other false-statement offenses. For authoritative statutes and definitions, see the Connecticut General Assembly website: https://www.cga.ct.gov/. For rules on notarization, see the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s notary public information: https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Business-Services/Notary-Public.

3. Before you sign: practical steps to protect yourself

• Read the entire affidavit slowly. Do not sign anything you have not read.
• Limit your statements to what you personally observed. Avoid hearsay like repeating what someone else told you unless the form specifically asks for it and you clearly label it as hearsay.
• If you are unsure about a detail (e.g., exact time, exact speed), say so. Use language like “I do not recall exactly” or give an approximation and label it as such.
• Refuse to sign blank or incomplete forms. If parts are blank, either fill them in truthfully or decline until the document is complete and accurate.
• Ask for time to review. You have the right to request time to read the affidavit and consider it before signing.
• Ask for a written copy. Get a copy of the final, signed affidavit for your records. Do not rely on receiving it later.

4. While you sign: correct methods and notary role

• Swear or affirm truthfulness only to the statements you believe are true. If the affiant language says “under penalty of perjury,” be mindful that you are affirming the truth of the facts.
• Sign only in front of the notary or person authorized to administer oaths. The notary’s role is to verify identity and administer the oath, not to verify the truth of the content.
• If you need to change a statement, cross out the incorrect portion, initial the change, and ensure the notary witnesses the correction.

5. After you sign: watch for follow-up and protect your record

• Keep your copy in a safe place. Your copy is the record of what you actually signed.
• If you discover that a signed affidavit contains an error, notify the party that obtained it and ask how to correct it in writing. Correcting an affidavit promptly and transparently reduces risk of misunderstandings or accusations of deception.
• If you are later contacted by attorneys, investigators, or the police, consider consulting an attorney before giving further sworn statements.

6. What to do if someone pressures you to sign or to alter your statement

Do not yield to pressure. If an insurance adjuster, lawyer, or another party attempts to coerce you to change or omit facts, decline and state you will provide a truthful account. If you feel unsafe or intimidated, document the encounter and consider contacting law enforcement or seeking legal advice.

7. When to consult an attorney

Consult a lawyer if:

• You are unsure whether a statement could expose you to liability;
• Someone asks you to sign a document containing statements you did not make;
• You are accused of lying or are being criminally investigated;
• You will be a key witness in a contested case and want to understand your obligations and protections.

8. Practical sample language you can use in an affidavit

When describing what you saw, prefer short, factual sentences. Examples:

• “I observed Vehicle A traveling northbound in the left lane. I did not see Vehicle B before the collision.”
• “At approximately 3:15 p.m. (my best recollection), I heard a loud impact and saw two vehicles collide at the intersection of X and Y.”
• “I am not certain of the exact speed of either vehicle.”

Helpful Hints

• Bring a notebook to the scene and immediately write down what you remember while it’s fresh; that helps you provide accurate details later.
• Take photographs of the scene if you can do so safely; photos can support your sworn statements without forcing you to guess details.
• If asked to make a police statement, be honest and say you will provide only what you observed firsthand.
• Keep communications short and factual with insurers and opposing parties; avoid speculation about fault or causes unless you have solid facts.
• Use the Connecticut General Assembly site to look up statutes if you want to read the law yourself: https://www.cga.ct.gov/.
• Find information on notarization and the notary’s duties at the Connecticut Secretary of the State: https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Business-Services/Notary-Public.

Final notes and disclaimer

This article explains general steps to reduce your legal risk when signing an affidavit as a witness in a Connecticut car accident matter. It does not create an attorney-client relationship and is not legal advice. If you need legal advice about your specific situation, consult an attorney licensed in Connecticut.