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If you were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, you could be eligible for compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company. In order to prove that the other driver was at fault, you will need to provide evidence. One key piece of evidence that can significantly help your claim is eyewitness testimony.
Virginia insurance companies try to shift blame all the time when it comes to car accident claims. Without witness statements and police reports, your entire settlement can hinge on a “he said, she said” argument. However, if you or your accident lawyer procure reliable witness statements and documentation that reinforce your claim, the insurance company is less likely to dispute it.
How Witnesses Help Your Claim in Virginia
Witnesses can provide valuable information about your accident that you otherwise wouldn’t have known or remembered. Their statements are extremely important in helping determine fault as well as helping you clear up any adrenaline- or shock-induced confusion that you may have suffered after the incident.
Witnesses can help in the following ways:
- Witnesses provide a neutral opinion about who was at fault.
- They help describe the scene from a third-party perspective and paint a better visual picture of the damage and chaos that ensued.
- They confirm your recollection of what happened while also filling in gaps that you may not remember.
- Witnesses contradict any false accusations.
It is not always possible to get witness statements at the scene of a crash. Often, if there are bystanders, they don't stick around. When you hire a car accident lawyer to represent you in your claim, they will work to gather other important kinds of evidence.
Evidence That Can Help Victims of Car Accidents
Other types of evidence that is helpful after a car accident includes:
- Accident scene photographs. Take pictures of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Police report. Obtain a copy of the official police report, as it contains important details about the accident, including statements from involved parties and any citations issued.
- Medical records. Gather all medical records related to the accident, including hospital visits, emergency room treatment, doctor's examinations, diagnoses, prescribed medications, and any ongoing treatments or therapy.
- Photographs of injuries. Document visible injuries with photographs throughout your recovery process to showcase the extent of the harm caused by the accident.
- Dashcam or surveillance footage. If available, obtain footage from any dashcam or surveillance cameras that may have captured the accident or its aftermath.
- Lost wages documentation. If the accident resulted in missed work and lost income, gather documentation such as pay stubs, employer statements, and tax returns to support your claim for lost wages.
- Expert opinions. Consult with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, or other specialists who can provide expert opinions to support your case.
