The Importance of Eyewitnesses in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Pedestrian accident lawsuits depend heavily on establishing facts. This can be vitally accomplished by submitting valuable testimonies of witnesses. An eyewitness provides a detailed account of the accident scene in such cases. Their clear observation offers crucial insights into the actual sequence of events that led to the accident in the first place. The reliability and credibility of the eyewitnesses play a major part in determining the overall outcome of the lawsuit.

If you or your family member had to face an accident, never neglect to call an attorney in the first place. They help determine liability and wisely handle complex interactions on your behalf with the insurance company and in court sessions. Read on as we list out valid factors that will enlighten you on the importance of eyewitnesses in case of pedestrian accidents.

Who Can Be an Eyewitness in a Pedestrian Accident Case? 

Any individual said to have witnessed the accident can be considered an eyewitness. This includes the passenger, another driver, bystander, or pedestrian who saw the events leading to the collision and its aftermath sequences. Their perspective provides valuable insights into the event and helps reconstruct the accident scene as you file a lawsuit seeking compensation. 

Exchange of Information with Eyewitnesses Post the Accident Scene

After encountering an accident, the following moments can be chaotic and even overwhelming. Immediately reach a pedestrian accident attorney to gather information from the eyewitnesses at the scene. The main reason is that the attorney helps build a strong accident case backed by solid evidence that provides your legal rights in court. Upcoming is a detailed explanation denoting the importance of eyewitnesses and the best possible ways to get it.

Preserving Immediate Recollections

The accident scene is more likely to be the freshest among the eyewitnesses, especially after the event. As day and time pass, their recollections might fade, influenced by other factors. Therefore, you need to gather their accounts as soon as possible to be on the safer side. 

Seeking Additional Witnesses

Never limit yourself to one eyewitness to prove your grounds in court. If other people were said to be present at the accident scene, try to gather their information and perspective of the incident. Having multiple credible witnesses helps strengthen your case and provide a better understanding of the events that led to the collision. 

In addition to these, make sure to take videos or photos at the accident scene. Ensure that the vehicle’s exact position, road conditions, skid marks, and other relevant factors are captured, which can help recreate the accident scene later on. This kind of documentation, done with the help of a personal or pedestrian accident lawyer, can wisely complement eyewitness accounts and offer a comprehensive view of the accident scene. 

How Does an Eyewitness Statement Support Your Case?

  1. Proves Your Side: You are more likely to have your account regarding what happened during the accident scene. Eyewitnesses can better establish their version of events, providing an unbiased perspective that can support your claim in many different ways. 
  2. Yield Higher Settlements: Insurance companies rely on factors assessing the value of the accident claim and the eyewitnesses you have collected and submitted with them. A strong witness statement from your side will push the insurance company to offer a higher settlement.

Conclusion

The physical and emotional toil you face due to pedestrian accidents can be overwhelming. Reach out to a reputed pedestrian accident attorney to understand your legal rights, gather valuable eyewitnesses, negotiate with the insurance company, and submit reliable documents that can end up with a valuable claim to your side.