Getting in a car accident can be a highly chaotic and overwhelming experience. There is often physical damage, injuries, emergency responders and backed-up traffic involved. Amidst the shock and concern for your safety and well-being, it’s essential to remember the importance of witnesses in determining the fault, cause and other crucial elements of the crash.
Why witnesses are essential
Witnesses can provide invaluable information about a crash. They may have a fresh perspective on a car accident and might have seen things you missed because you were focused on driving.
Here’s the type of answers they may be able to answer:
- Did they see what caused the crash? A red light violation? Speeding? Distracted driving?
- Where were the cars positioned before, during and after the accident?
- Were any traffic laws broken?
- What were the weather conditions like? (e.g., Was it raining, sunny, foggy?)
- Did they hear brakes squeal, engines rev or other audio clues as to what drivers did immediately before or after a collision?
There are multiple sides to every story. If you’re in a crash, the other driver will have their own version of what happened. Witnesses can offer unbiased accounts, backing up your claims or providing missing details that you might not have seen.
Finding witnesses and determining what they know
If you can, try to speak with witnesses at the scene. Talk to people in the area, people who approach you to see if you’re okay, and people living or working nearby. Here’s what to ask for:
- Full names and contact information
- What they saw and heard
- If they have any video footage from phones, surveillance cameras or dashcams
It’s always a good idea to take notes at the accident scene if you are able. Write down what you remember about the collision and any details the witness shares.
Understandably, you may be too shaken up or injured to speak with witnesses yourself after getting into a car crash. This is why it is always wise to call the police and reach out to an attorney right away after an accident. These parties have the resources and experience to connect with witnesses and determine what helpful information they may have.