In Florida, no-fault insurance covers some medical bills, but proving another driver’s fault — supported by witnesses — can be crucial for claiming compensation for serious injuries or additional damages.
Eyewitnesses can be a valuable asset in this process by providing a neutral perspective on what happened. However, not everyone knows how to find witnesses after a car accident, and insufficient evidence for your claim can keep you from recovering fair compensation.
Why Witnesses Matter in Car Accident Cases
You don’t want your car accident case to become a “he said, she said” battle. Witness statements after a car accident support your claim by providing another point of view, ideally from an unbiased perspective. For instance, if an eyewitness saw another driver drift out of their lane and strike your car, their testimony can help prove that the other driver caused the crash.
Courts and insurance companies often rely on eyewitnesses to sort out the truth of what happened. An eyewitness account, combined with other evidence, can be persuasive when appropriately presented. However, a car accident witness must be credible to convince an insurer or jury, and you can expect the other side to carefully scrutinize your witness’s account for any errors or inconsistencies.
Where to Look for Witnesses After a Crash
Your lawyer can investigate the accident scene, examine surveillance footage, and use other methods to identify possible eyewitnesses. Potential witnesses to a car crash can include:
- Other drivers who saw the crash from a nearby traffic lane or intersection
- Pedestrians or cyclists passing by on neighboring sidewalks
- A passenger who saw the collision from your car, the other driver’s car, or another vehicle
- Employees or customers at nearby businesses
- First responders and law enforcement officers
How to Identify and Approach Potential Witnesses
As you search for a car accident witness, look around and identify anyone who may have seen what happened. If someone seems willing to help or open to questions, approach them calmly and respectfully.
Ask open-ended questions like, “What did you see?” or “Did you notice which vehicle had the green light?” Avoid leading questions or making statements like, “You saw them hit me, right?” as that can make the witness uncomfortable or affect the credibility of their statement. If possible, record a voice note on your phone, but only with their permission.
After the witness answers your questions, write down their full name, phone number, and email address. You can also take a picture of their driver’s license or other ID for reference. Double-check the spelling of their name, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed. Finally, keep your conversation brief and don’t argue, admit fault, or speculate about what happened.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Find Witnesses
While witness testimony can help your car accident claim, your job after a crash is to focus on healing. Let your attorney find and talk to any eyewitnesses. Many lawyers have private investigators they can send to the scene, examine the area, and look for potential witnesses. Your lawyer or their team can also interview the witnesses on your behalf, as they know what questions to ask and what not to say. If your attorney finds a reliable witness, they can collect the person’s contact information and arrange for them to give sworn testimony at an appropriate time.
Contact a Florida Car Accident Attorney Today
Zimmet & Zimmet understands the value of witness accounts in car accident cases, and we can seek out individuals who might have seen what happened to you. Our Daytona Beach law firm has supported and recovered millions for injured Floridians since 1975 and is ready to defend your rights. Call now or complete our contact form today for a free consultation with a trusted car accident lawyer.
