Eyewitnesses are a valuable resource for law enforcement, as well as those who were involved in an accident. They can provide valuable evidence to those injured in a personal injury case if they’re willing to make a statement.
We’ll look at who might be an accident witness, and the importance of their statement if you have been injured. Breakingtimes
Who Can Be a Witness?
Anyone who was at the accident site or nearby when it happened could be an eyewitness. Some examples of people who could be called to testify include:
- Residents or nearby business owners
- Other vehicle occupants, such as passengers or other drivers
- Bystanders
- Anyone who stops to help at the scene
The drivers and passengers who were in the cars involved in a crash may provide testimony, but their testimony might not be as reliable as that of a third party because the occupants have a financial stake in the outcome of a case.
The Importance Of Witnesses
Third-party, neutral eyewitnesses can be crucial in a claim for a car accident. They are often more trusted than the car occupants because they have no vested interests in the case. Third-party witnesses often have a unique view of the accident, and can provide information that was not seen by the people involved.
When eyewitnesses corroborate one party’s version of events, neutral, reliable witnesses may be able to help settle a car accident claim.
How Witness Statements Can Be Used Against You
You may have eyewitnesses that corroborate the story you tell about the accident, but the other driver (or drivers) could have witnesses who contradict your account. Your own witnesses could also be used against you in order to undermine the credibility of your claim. Infonewsmedia
If, for example, your witnesses no longer believe what they saw or have inconsistent testimony or alter their version to support the opposing side’s version during cross-examination or deposition, this can have a serious impact on their reliability. It could be difficult to get compensation if you do not have eyewitnesses who can support your case, but the other side does.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of https://www.jenkinslawpl.com/. Kelly-Ann is an insurance claim Lawyer. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation.
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