If you don’t have photographic evidence of an accident, a witness’s claim can help you prove your case in a court of law.
After a crash, both drivers are usually too overwhelmed to remember all the details. But roads are usually busy, which means the chances are that there will be someone who saw what happened. That someone can make or break your case.
The importance of witness statements
A witness helps your case by providing an objective perspective of the accident. If the statement is credible, it can discredit an at-fault driver’s version of the story. If the witness is honest and has a sound reputation, their words can serve as powerful evidence.
In order for your witness’s claim to hold substance, though, it must prove that the other party was negligent in one way or another. The witness should be able to prove that the other party either didn’t obey traffic rules, was over-speeding, or was driving while distracted. The witness should also be able to explain the event in detail.
Who is a credible witness?
There are several things you need to keep in mind before deciding whether a witness is credible or not. Remember, it’s better to make a claim without a witness than reaching out to one who isn’t credible.
Here’s how you can make sure they are:
- Make sure the witness actually saw the accident and didn’t just hear about it.
- Make sure the witness was not distracted by anything that may have taken their attention away from the accident when it took place.
- The witness should be an honest individual and must be known for always telling the truth. They must not have a past criminal record.
- The witness must also have good vision and hearing. Their memory also matters.
Other than the above-mentioned criteria, it’s also best to have an eye witness who isn’t directly related to the driver. If the witness knows you prior to the accident, it’ll affect their credibility. The witness must also not have any personal or financial interests in the entire situation.
Need help?
The legal process of settling a traffic crash can be quite stressful if you don’t have the right help. If you’re based in Chico, California, and are looking for a professional lawyer to help with the litigation process, you’ll get the right help at the Law Offices of Ron Marquez. Give us a call at 530-332-8110 to learn more. You can also contact us here.
Disclaimer: This blog does not provide legal advice and written for information purposes only. Reading the content of this blog or information contained on this site, or the transmission of information from or to this site does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.
