Signs of Whiplash After a Car Accident & What to Do Next
Posted in: Car Accidents
KNR Legal Blog
Remember, you hold the key to your case. The two most potent pieces of evidence for a car crash are video footage and disinterested witnesses.
If you have video footage of a crash, that is top-tier evidence that is nearly impossible to dispute. Security footage from businesses and traffic camera footage often writes over itself after a certain period of time, so it’s crucial to take control. Shortly after a crash, take the initiative and ask local businesses about any security cameras that might have been facing the scene of the crash. They might be willing to give you that footage or at least let you see it. If they let you see it, take charge and ask to record a video of it. In case they decline, assert your rights and get the name and contact information of the person who viewed the footage with you because you might need them as a witness later on.
If there’s no video footage, the next best evidence is a disinterested witness. A disinterested witness is one who saw the crash and was not involved in the crash in any way. They were not in either car, they don’t know any of the parties involved, and they’re not in a position to benefit from the claim in any way. The best witnesses are other motorists or pedestrians who just happened to see the crash occur. Those witnesses often don’t stick around long enough for the police to arrive, so they’re not included in the report.
Sometimes, these parties don’t want their name and contact info on the police report since it’s public record. If anyone approaches you to see if you’re okay, ask if they’d provide you with their name and phone number in order to be a witness if needed. Even if they don’t approach you after the crash and are just nearby watching the scene, ask them if they’d provide you with their name and contact info in case you need a witness.
No matter how clear-cut a crash may seem, sometimes the at-fault driver lies to minimize their guilt, either to the police or their insurance company. Insurance companies will also do whatever they can to save a buck, so they could place some of the responsibility for the crash on you. By the time this takes place, video footage has been overwritten, and witnesses have disappeared, so it’s important to get this evidence before you need it.