Sustaining an injury after a car accident is an adverse experience, and it can be even more frustrating if the car accident was caused by another driver’s irresponsible behavior. This is why many victims of these types of accidents choose to file a claim against the driver who caused the accident in order to earn compensation for the damages. California is a fault-based state, meaning the driver who is deemed at fault for the accident will be responsible for covering your medical expenses. You can also file a personal injury case to earn further restitution. However, many victims might not know that gathering statements from witnesses of the car accident can be essential to winning your accident injury claim. To learn more, read this blog or reach out to a San Mateo County, California Car Accident Lawyer today!
WHY ARE WITNESSES IMPORTANT AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?
In a car accident, witnesses can be pedestrians, drivers, or passengers who were not involved in the accident but saw what took place. Witnesses are important after a car accident because they can help prove who was at fault for the accident. If you file a claim against the negligent driver who caused the accident, you’ll need sufficient evidence to prove that they were in fact at fault for your injuries. You can prove fault either through surveillance video of the accident, an accident reconstruction expert’s testimony, or witness statements. Unfortunately, surveillance video is not always available, and hiring an accident reconstruction expert can be pretty expensive. This is why many cases rely on witness statements as the main evidence to prove driver fault.
HOW CAN I LEGALLY GATHER WITNESS STATEMENTS?
Most of the time, local authorities are called to the scene of an auto accident to file an official report. Any police officers that arrive will likely interview witnesses to get a clear idea of what happened. But in the event that no authorities don’t talk to witnesses, you can speak to them yourself. It’s important to note that not all witnesses will be willing to help the investigation, and some witness statements may not corroborate your story. Nevertheless, you can ask various witnesses for their contact information if they are willing to help you with your claim. You can also inform them that an insurance adjuster may contact them to try to influence their testimony, but it’s illegal to ask them not to speak to insurance adjusters.
Have you recently been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver in California? Are you seeking a highly experienced personal injury attorney who has your best interests in mind? Look no further because the Law Offices of Allister R. Liao is here to fight for you! Contact our effective team today for an initial consultation.
