What to Do If There Are No Witnesses at The Accident Scene
Law enforcement and insurance adjusters rely on eyewitness testimony to relay what took place at an accident scene. A witness can provide valuable information on what took place and the general mood following an accident. But what happens if there are no witnesses at an accident scene?
In this article, our Greenville car accident lawyers discuss the importance of eyewitnesses and what information may be beneficial in the absence of an eyewitness account.
Gathering Evidence
If nobody was at the accident scene, it would be more difficult to prove liability. In this case, gathering evidence will be crucial for a successful case outcome.
Pertinent evidence at a car accident often includes the following:
Photographs
If nobody witnessed the accident, any photographs of the scene can help to fill in any missing information. Photographs may include vehicle wreckage, shredded tires, identifying landmarks or intersections, and the crash victim’s injuries. Although it may seem unusual to have an accident victim take pictures of personal wounds, documenting a person’s injuries immediately after an accident can show the severity of the crash.
Surveillance Cameras
While there may be no videos of the accident unfolding, footage from a surveillance camera may be available. This footage will show the accident in real time, giving a raw representation of what took place.
Police Report
A police report will include important information, including the following:
- The time, date, and location of the crash
- The full names and contact information of the driver and passengers involved
- Insurance and vehicle registration information
- Drivers’ license and license plate numbers
- A description of the accident
- Who the officer believes is at fault
The Greenville City Police Department provides copies of accident reports to involved parties. The report costs less than $10.00. The police report is an invaluable resource since it details all the key aspects of the accident. Additionally, it gives the insurance company insight into who the officer believes is at fault.
Evidence of Negligence
There may be evidence that the other driver was negligent, making it easier to prove your case. The other driver’s negligence may be due to:
Distracted or Inattentive Driving
In 2022, 3,308 people were killed at the hands of a distracted driver. Distracted driving involves any type of activity that takes your attention away from the road, including texting, applying make-up, changing the radio station, eating or drinking, and having conversations with passengers.
Driver Impairment
It is illegal in Pennsylvania to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or greater. If the police suspect that a driver is inebriated, then the officer will conduct field sobriety tests, confirming intoxication.
Speeding
Speeding takes the lives of over 12,000 people each year. Between the police report, skid marks, and surveillance footage, a crash victim will likely be able to establish that another driver was speeding.
Speak with a Greenville Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a family member have fallen victim to a crash, our Greenville car accident attorneys are here to assist you. Whether you settle with insurance or need to take legal action, the attorneys at Fulton & Barr Attorneys at Law are here to provide the representation you need. To learn more or to schedule your risk-free, complimentary consultation, please call us at (864) 235-3154 or complete our online contact form.
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