On average, a person is hurt in a car accident around every two minutes and five seconds in Texas, according to the Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics for recent years. The implications of these injuries are extensive and affect many areas of your life, so it’s good to know that those accident victims have legal options. However, success depends on your ability to prove that the other driver was at fault – which can be challenging.
Often, you can bolster your case by providing information about those who may have observed the crash. Your Austin auto accident attorney can provide guidance and support, but it may help to review some answers to questions about how to find witnesses for a car accident.
Can other vehicle occupants serve as witnesses?
People who were in the car with you may be helpful, but their credibility may be in question when an insurance company reviews the information. A claims adjuster knows that you’re likely to be in the car with friends, family, or acquaintances. These people could be viewed as biased, while neutral witnesses may be more favorable.
How do I find a neutral witness?
Anyone who may have seen, heard, felt, or otherwise perceived the accident could be a potential witness to support your claim. If you can access anyone in cars that were not involved in the crash, you should attempt to address them. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and any passersby are also potential witnesses.
What should I do if I find a witness to my car accident?
Get name and contact information from anyone who’s willing to talk with you. Avoid making any statements about the crash, especially as they relate to a fault. Anyone who can act as a witness for you may also be asked about the incident. That person may reveal information that doesn’t support your interests.
Can I use other evidence to support my claim?
Even if your efforts in getting a witness aren’t fruitful, there are other sources of evidence that you can use when filing a claim.
- Use your cell phone to capture pictures of the scene of the accident, property damage, your injuries, and other physical conditions;
- Scan the area around the crash, as there may be businesses in the region that have installed security cameras; and,
- Jot down your recollections of how the collision happened, being as detailed as possible. This information may be critical for your claim, and your compensation could depend upon your ability to refresh your memory in the future.
Set up a Free Consultation with an Austin Auto Accident Attorney
This information on how to find a witness for a car accident may be useful, but this is just one of many aspects of such a case. There are countless additional factors, all of which can affect your right to compensation. If you were hurt and want to know more about your rights, please contact Robert Littlefield Buford III, Attorney at Law in Austin, TX.
