Whether the fault lies with another driver, an automaker, an employer, or someone else, proving they caused a car accident requires compelling evidence. Testimony from credible witnesses can bolster your case by providing details on what happened from a neutral perspective. But how do you find a quality witness in a car accident case?
Will My Attorney Help Find Witnesses for My Accident Case?
After a crash, it’s not always easy to track down witnesses who saw what happened. Your lawyer can review police reports, visit the scene of the accident, and search for nearby businesses or homes to see if anyone witnessed the collision or captured it on video. They might also speak with first responders and use private investigators if necessary.
What Is a Credible Witness?
A credible witness is someone whose testimony an insurance company, judge, or jury is likely to trust. Credible witnesses are neutral and consistent. They have no personal stake in the outcome of your case. While passengers riding with you can help support your version of events, their statements might be seen as less credible and biased. That’s why finding unbiased witnesses, like strangers or professionals who have no reason to favor either side, is essential.
Examples of credible car accident witnesses include:
- Other Drivers or Pedestrians Nearby – Someone passing through the area may have seen the crash and can provide an independent, firsthand account of what they witnessed. For instance, they may have noticed that the driver swerved suddenly or looked at their phone.
- Business Employees or Customers – People working at or visiting businesses near the site of the crash might have seen the collision through a window or while outside.
- Emergency Responders – Police officers, paramedics, or firefighters called to the scene can sometimes serve as credible witnesses. Their testimony can be particularly valuable if they observed the conditions firsthand or heard statements from the drivers involved.
- Uninvolved Passengers in Other Vehicles – A passenger riding in another car who wasn’t part of the collision can provide their perspective without any connection to the people involved in the accident.
- Property Owners or Residents – Homeowners or tenants living near the crash scene might have heard or seen the accident and can provide crucial details, particularly if it happened right outside their property.
Car accident witness credibility relies not only on what someone saw but on how they communicate this information. Our experienced car crash lawyers can help prepare someone to testify in court after witnessing a car crash, as well as challenge testimony from witnesses who are not credible.
Contact Our Chicago Automobile Injury Lawyers to Help Build Your Case
At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., our experienced automobile injury lawyers know how to build persuasive cases by finding credible witnesses and gathering the evidence you need. We can investigate the crash scene, review police reports, locate surveillance footage, and identify and contact individuals who saw the collision.
Our team also handles every part of the legal process – from documenting your losses and negotiating with insurance companies to preparing your case for trial if necessary. We work closely with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to strengthen your claim and show the full extent of your injuries. While you concentrate on healing, we focus on fighting for full compensation. We have recovered more than $2.5 billion on behalf of our clients and are ready to fight for the justice you deserve. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
