You may have heard that one of the most important tools at your disposal for your car accident injury claim is physical evidence. But what may be equally as important is testimonial evidence. Continue reading to learn the importance of witnesses to a car accident and how one of the experienced Baltimore County car accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Markey & Orsi can provide any assistance necessary.
What is important about car accident witnesses?
Say, for instance, that you are struggling to recall the events that led to your collision. Or, say that the at-fault party is withholding the truth from their statement so that they are not held liable. In cases like these, and almost always, it is helpful to have a witness share their side of the story. With a witness testimony to a police officer, insurance adjuster, court, or otherwise, they may lend credibility to your descriptions of your injuries, damages, and your overall accident. This is all while they can assign fault to the other driver or even the city.
And the types of witnesses that may be able to help with your car accident injury claim are as follows:
- Bystanders who are strangers to you and the other parties involved.
- An individual who was a passenger in one of the vehicles involved.
- An individual who is close to you and knows how the accident has impacted you.
What should I do if there is a witness to my car accident?
While you are still at the scene of the accident, you must collect the contact information of all present witnesses. This may include their full names, phone numbers, email addresses, residential addresses, and more. Importantly, you must make sure that you have their consent regarding their willingness to provide this information and offer testimony later on.
In addition to collecting the witness’ contact information, you should take the following steps immediately after your accident occurs:
- Call the police: they will arrive at the scene, conduct an accident report, and dispatch an ambulance.
- Collect the other party’s contact information: this may include their name, phone number, license plate number, insurance policy number, insurance company name, etc.
- Take photos and videos: this may include capturing your injuries, damages, and contributing factors to your accident.
- Seek medical help: attend the ambulance at the scene and go to the hospital afterward, where you can collect medical documents and bills.
- Hire a skilled Baltimore County auto accident attorney: our team will work on your behalf in bringing your car accident injury claim forward.
