What to Do if There are No Witnesses at the Accident Scene
Witnesses are important to an accident claim, but you can still file one if no one saw your crash.
If you have been involved in an accident, eyewitness testimony can be very helpful to your case. Eyewitness testimony is given a lot of weight by insurance companies and juries, as they are considered objective bystanders. Without witnesses, an accident scene can quickly turn into an argument of he said/she said. Even when no one saw the accident, there are still steps you can take to protect your claim so you recover the full damages you deserve.
Call the Police
Most accidents in Murrieta must be reported to the police. If you do not report the crash, you may be charged with a hit and run. Wait for the police to arrive and when they do, follow any instructions they give you and answer any questions as honestly as possible. Do not admit fault or even apologize that the crash occurred, as this could be held against you when filing your claim.
Take Pictures and Videos
Without eyewitness statements, pictures and videos are the next best thing to show how a crash occurred. Take pictures of any damage to the vehicles involved, your injuries, and the accident scene as a whole. This footage can show that another driver acted negligently and caused a crash that resulted in injuries.
Exchange Information
After any accident, it is important that you exchange information with all other drivers involved in the accident. Write down the names, addresses, license numbers, insurance companies, and policy numbers of all drivers. You can also take a picture of the documents, so you always have the information.
Notify Your Insurance Company
If another driver’s negligent actions caused your crash, you will have to file a claim with their insurance company to collect damages for your losses. Still, it is important to inform your own insurance company about the crash. Most policies include a provision with this requirement. If you do not inform your own insurance company, it could give them reason to cancel the policy.
Seek Medical Attention
It is critical that you see a doctor after any accident, even if you do not think you were hurt. If an ambulance arrives at the scene, allow the paramedics to examine you. If medical personnel are not called out to the crash site, visit an emergency room, or see a doctor immediately after leaving the scene. Seeking medical attention will ensure your injuries do not become worse and will also create medical documentation that proves the nature and severity of your injuries.
Call a Car Accident Lawyers in Murrieta
After an accident, you do have legal options. At Gibbs & Fuerst, LLP, our Murrieta car accident lawyers can explain what those are and help you through the claims process so you claim the full and fair settlement that is justly yours. Call us now at 951-816-3435 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.