In addition to exchanging license and insurance information with the other driver, it is important to identify anyone who witnessed the accident. Getting his or her name and phone number can be critical when the insurance company starts questioning who was to blame for the accident. The statement and/or testimony of an independent eyewitness can be the key to a car accident victim receiving full compensation for his or her damages and losses.
What Is An Independent Eyewitness?
An independent eyewitness, or third party witness, is someone who sees an accident but is not involved in it and is not related to any of the drivers. Because these witnesses do not have any personal or financial interest in the outcome of the resulting auto accident claim, they are considered to be the most reliable witnesses.
There are usually many witnesses to a car accident – drivers and passengers in surrounding cars, pedestrians on the street, even people who were looking out the window of a nearby store or business. The victim of a car accident, if he or she doesn’t need immediate medical care, should speak to witnesses, and get their contact information before they leave the scene. The victim should not try to influence the witnesses but rather ascertain what they saw. If possible, witnesses should write a short version of what happened before they forget.
Any and all information that can be gathered at the scene will be helpful later on when a personal injury attorney is trying to settle the auto accident claim or when he is presenting evidence to a jury at trial.
Why Are Independent Eyewitnesses Important in an Automobile Accident Case?
Someone who is injured in a car accident is entitled to seek damages from the negligent party who caused the accident. Sometimes there is no question about who was to blame for an accident and the victim will be compensated for his or her medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Often times however, the two drivers will have competing versions of what happened and who was to blame, or liable, will have to be determined by an insurance company or a jury.
When liability is in question, independent eyewitness accounts become critical. The testimony of an impartial, independent eyewitness is typically the most convincing for insurance adjusters and/or jury members since the witness is considered a reliable source of information. That being the case, getting a personal injury attorney involved quickly so he can obtain detailed statements from witnesses before their recollection of the accident fades, is essential.
Contact an Experienced Long Beach Auto Accident Attorney to Assist with Your Claim
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Call the Law Office of Michael D. Waks at 888-394-1174 or use the convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation. You are under no obligation and you will never pay any money unless you recover damages for your injuries. I offer bilingual services as part of my comprehensive approach to legal representation and I am available 24/7 to talk to you about your case.