In this 2025 case, the claimant's credit hire claims failed almost entirely because of template-driven witness statements and poor claims handling. The court criticised "blind following of a company process" and awarded only a fraction of what was claimed. It is a cautionary example of why every witness statement needs to be case-specific, not just a filled-in template.
Related: witness statement drafting software for UK law firms, covering automated CPR Part 32 compliance checks and the UK authority libraries behind every draft.
What should a credit hire witness statement include?
A credit hire witness statement should cover the accident circumstances, vehicle damage, need for a hire vehicle, the hire period and why it was reasonable, any intervention offers received, and financial disclosure if impecuniosity is claimed. It must end with a statement of truth and comply with CPR Part 32 formatting requirements.
What is CPR Part 32 and why does it matter for witness statements?
CPR Part 32 governs the use of witness evidence in civil proceedings. It requires witness statements to be in the witness's own words, contain a statement of truth, and follow specific formatting rules set out in Practice Direction 32. Non-compliant statements risk being excluded or given reduced weight by the court.
Can AI be used to draft witness statements for credit hire cases?
Yes, provided the AI tool is purpose-built with verified legal references and compliance checks. The output must still be reviewed, personalised, and verified by a qualified professional before use. Generic AI tools like ChatGPT risk fabricating case citations and producing non-compliant statements.
See how LegalDocs Assist handles real credit hire scenarios.