A car accident lawyer Frederick, MD residents trusts has the answers
Most serious car accidents require the help of a car accident lawyer Frederick, MD residents rely on. Car accidents can be stressful for every party, including those involved in the accident and those watching from the sidewalk. Naturally, humans want to help if they can and you may likely have bystanders who rush over to help after the collision. As long as you are not in the middle of a life-threatening condition, it is okay to take a couple minutes and get witness contact details before they walk away.
When is the best time to ask the witness for their information?
In the midst of a horrible accident, it can be difficult to figure out when is the best time to approach a witness. Any experienced car accident lawyer in Frederick, MD will likely tell you that your health should come first, so if you require medical attention do not worry about getting statements from these witnesses in the moment. You can quickly ask for their contact information at any time while at the scene, and then your attorney can follow up with them later for official statements.
Can a car accident witness hinder my case?
Yes, a witness that does not side with your story is obviously not a witness that will benefit your case. Your attorney can talk with the witnesses to figure out who supports your stance the most. Most of the time, it’s good to check in with your car accident lawyer in Frederick, MD if you are unclear whether or not a witness can help you. If the witness is any of the following, he or she may actually hinder your case:
- The witness is a convicted felon
- The witness is known for not speaking truth
- The witness was under the influence when they saw the accident happen
- The witness is of poor sight and/or hearing
What types of questions may my attorney ask the witnesses?
There are a series of questions your attorney may ask the witnesses about what they saw regarding the accident that day. Depending on their answers to the questions, they may or may not be a reliable witness for your case. Examples of questions your car accident lawyer in Frederick, MD may ask the witnesses include:
- Where were you at the time of the accident (in another car, on the sidewalk, in a building by a window, etc.)?
- When did you first notice the car accident (before, during or after hearing sound from impact)?
- Were you in the middle of doing a task when it happened (taking care of a child, pet or other potential distraction)?
- Did someone else bring your attention to the accident or did you see it yourself?
- Who do you believe was at-fault for the accident? Were either vehicles speeding or otherwise driving recklessly from what you could tell?
Is it better to have a witness who was in the car too, or watching from the street?
A car accident lawyer may tell you that a witness who was in the car with you at the time of the crash can be helpful to your case. However, getting a statement from a bystander on the street who had no prior relationship with you can weigh even heavier on your side. The witness who does not know you will likely be less biased when submitting a statement, because there is no motivation to be on your side besides just wanting to do the right thing.
If you or someone you know has suffered from a car accident, it may be in your best interest to reach out to Cohen & Cohen and we will be more than happy to set you up with a car accident lawyer Frederick, MD residents are proud to have in their midsts.
