In the aftermath of a car accident, motorists may have a difficult time recalling relevant details that help establish liability. When this is the case, some motorists may be fortunate enough to have had a bystander witness the events before, during, and after an accident. Witnesses may be able to provide pertinent details about the accident that help determine fault. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact one of our determined and adept Westchester County Car Accident Attorneys who can help you investigate the circumstances of the accident and gather pertinent evidence to back your claim. In addition, please continue reading to learn more about the vital role witnesses play in establishing fault in a car accident injury claim.
What role do witnesses play after a car accident?
After a car accident, it can be challenging to allocate fault. However, witnesses can resolve this issue as they may have seen the accident take place. Witnesses are crucial to establishing fault in a car accident as they are unbiased third parties. Witnesses can recount valuable information while staying objective. There are times when a witness may be a passenger who is a friend or relative of the motorist. Consequently, it can be difficult for this type of witness to recount details without bias. This type of witness may lie about what happened if they know their friend or a family member will have to pay substantial damages if they are found at fault. However, individuals who were pedestrians or in other vehicles can remain objective as they have no relationship with either motorist.
Additionally, witnesses play a crucial role in these types of cases because they can corroborate a victim’s claim and help their overall credibility. Additionally, witnesses can corroborate a victim’s injuries as they were at the scene. Ultimately, in a car accident injury claim, victims must prove that the other motorist’s negligence directly caused their injuries and damages. In some cases, government entities may be responsible for the cause of an accident. If there was a broken traffic light, insufficient lighting, or any dangerous road condition which led to an accident they could be held accountable. A witness can share helpful information such as that there was a broken traffic light which caused an accident to occur. Furthermore, victims need to gather any witnesses’ contact information as it can help build a solid case later on. Witnesses should be encouraged to make a witness statement while the details are still fresh in their memory. Ultimately, witnesses can play a significant role in determining fault after a car accident.
In the unfortunate event that you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, reach out to one of our trusted attorneys who can help you seek the justice you deserve.