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770-626-7895Were you involved in a motor vehicle crash in Athens or elsewhere in Georgia? You must take a proactive approach after the crash to protect yourself, your safety, and your legal rights. Evidence is the key to bringing a successful car accident claim. Witness statements can be a valuable form of evidence, especially as to how and why a collision happened. Here, our Athens car accident lawyer highlights the importance of getting witness statements before a crash in Georgia.
Background: Georgia is a Fault-Based Motor Vehicle Accident State
Car crashes happen every day in Georgia. All communities feel the impact of traffic safety failures.
According to the Georgia Governor’s Highway Safety Office, motor vehicle collisions remain a leading cause of accidental injuries.
Following a crash, victims have the right to seek justice.
Georgia is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. The driver (or other party) who was at fault for causing an accident through their negligence can be held legally responsible for the resulting damage. Every crash should be carefully investigated to determine what went wrong.
Fault is a big reason why it is so important to get witness statements after a car accident in Georgia.
An independent person who saw that crash can provide testimony as to what happened. That statement can be a compelling piece of evidence in a car accident injury claim.
Note: Georgia operates under a modified comparative negligence standard of liability. Each party to an accident is liable for their “share” of the fault. You can still recover if you are partially at fault for your accident, so long as your degree of blame is less than 50 percent. However, your recovery will be reduced proportionately to your fault. For example, if you are found 25 percent at fault for a crash in Athens, you will be liable for 25 percent of your damages. Every percentage point of fault matters. Witness testimony can be key to protecting your rights.
What is a Car Accident Witness Statement?
Broadly explained, a car accident witness statement is a written or recorded account provided by someone who saw the crash occur.
Typically, it is a form of testimony that will include key details about what the witness observed. That will depend on exactly what he or she saw. Witness statements in car accident cases often include testimony related to:
- The positioning of the vehicles
- How the vehicles made contact
- The actions of the drivers
- The general road and traffic conditions
- Whether there were specific, obvious violations
- Any other relevant or suspected contributing factors
Car Accident Witness Statements are a Key Form of Evidence
Why do car accident witness statements matter in Georgia? It is a first-person testimony. That testimony can be relevant in determining what happened. Indeed, these statements can help establish fault and support an insurance claim. Remember, Georgia is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. How and why a crash happened is key to determining liability.
Of course, no witness statement is by itself definitive. The testimony is a piece of evidence. Further, witness credibility matters. A compelling statement should be clear, factual, and free of speculation. Law enforcement may collect witness statements at the scene.
However, that does not always happen, or at least it is not always comprehensive. Your Athens, GA car accident lawyer can help you track down witnesses who can support your version of events.
Can Your Passengers Give Testimony as a Witness?
Yes. Your passengers can give testimony as witnesses to a car accident. Further, statements can carry weight, especially if they are observed at the crash and provide consistent, factual accounts. Of course, passengers are often friends or family members. For that reason, their testimony may be deemed to be “less compelling” because it is not independent. Insurance might question their impartiality. Still, their testimony is evidence that can be relevant to determining liability for a motor vehicle collision in Georgia.
Can You Testify as a Witness to Your Own Crash?
Yes. You are a witness to your crash. You can and should write down your version of events when you have a chance to clear your head after an accident. You can testify as a witness to your crash. Your account of what happened is a critical part of the investigation, especially when supported by physical evidence or other witness statements. Of course, your testimony may be viewed as self-interested. That makes credibility and consistency important to bringing a successful personal injury case. An experienced Athens car accident attorney can help.
How to Track Down a Witness After a Car Accident in Georgia
Independent witness testimony can be compelling, persuasive evidence. Of course, it is not always easy to find witnesses after an accident. Some people may stop at the scene of the crash and cooperate directly with law enforcement. Other people may need to be proactively located. Here is an overview of the best practices for tracking down witnesses after a car accident in Athens:
- Get Contact Information at the Scene: If there is any witness who is still at the scene of the crash, make sure that you get their name and contact information. It is far easier to track them down when you have this information.
- Review the Police Report: The accident report completed by law enforcement officers often lists contact information for any witnesses they spoke with at the scene. Always request a copy of this report as soon as it becomes available.
- Look for Photos/Footage: Security cameras, traffic cameras, or dashboard cameras may have recorded the crash or nearby pedestrians or drivers who witnessed it. Footage can reveal faces, license plates, or identifying features of bystanders.
- Work with a Lawyer: Tracking down witnesses is not always easy. A proactive approach is a must. An experienced Georgia auto accident attorney can help you conduct a comprehensive, thorough investigation. That includes searching for witnesses.
Car Accident Victims in Georgia Need the Maximum Financial Support
Through a car accident claim in Georgia, you have the right to pursue compensation for both economic losses and non-economic damages. The value of your case will depend on a wide range of different factors, including your ability to prove fault. That is where witness statements can come into play. Our Athens, GA auto accident lawyers fight hard to hold insurers accountable. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Automobile repairs.
- Ambulance costs.
- Emergency room care.
- Hospital bills.
- Other health care costs.
- Loss of wages.
- Loss of earning power.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional trauma.
- Long-term disability.
- Wrongful death.
How Our Georgia Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
Following a serious crash in Georgia, it is normal to have a lot of questions about your rights and your options. At The Larrison Law Firm, we have extensive experience going up against auto accident victims. Our case results show what we can do for victims and families. We will handle all aspects of the investigation, including witness statements. Your initial case review with our Athens auto accident attorney is free, confidential, and without any additional obligations.
Contact Our Athens Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
At The Larrison Law Firm, our Athens car accident attorney has the professional experience that you can trust. If you have any questions about witness statements and motor vehicle collisions, we are here to help. Call us now or contact us online to arrange your free, no-strings-attached initial case review. From our Athens law office, we fight for justice for car accident victims throughout the wider region in Georgia.
