What Impact Does Witness Credibility Have on a Car Accident Claim?

June 15, 2021

When it comes to car accidents, eyewitnesses can be extremely important to winning a case. A person who is not directly involved in the accident and who has nothing to gain in the case carries a lot of weight in a courtroom. However, some witnesses may be more credible than others. The issue of credibility cannot be overlooked when it comes to witnesses. It is important to understand what makes a witness credible and how that impacts the case.

A witness is an unbiased party. For example, if someone on the sidewalk watches a driver run a red light and get into a collision, their testimony paints a picture of what happened. If there are multiple witnesses, it is even better. However, not all witnesses are equally credible and reliable. It is important to understand that specific witnesses and the circumstances they were in at the time of the accident can significantly impact how credible they are in court.

There are several factors that are considered in a car accident case, such as physical evidence from the crash, police reports, and medical evaluations. In many cases, there might not even be witnesses. However, in some situations, a witness may be the best tool a victim has to properly tell their story in court.

What is Witness Credibility?

Witness credibility is essentially how much weight their testimony will carry. It can relate to the trustworthiness of the witness or whether circumstances allowed them to fully visualize the accident. For example, a bystander observing the crash may be better than another driver who was likely paying attention to their own car at the time of the crash.

Much of what determines credibility of a car accident witness is based on what they were reasonably able to observe; many factors play into this. Whether the witness was also driving at the time, how close they were to the crash, and what they could see from their vantage point all play important roles in witness credibility. Additionally, whether the witness saw the entire accident, including what led up to it, can be a determining factor.

How can a Lawyer Help in a Car Accident Case?

The first step to starting a personal injury case is to hire a knowledgeable car accident lawyer. A victim often needs compensation to put their life back together after a car crash. A lawyer will have the knowledge to find the best option for their client.

Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. Use Witness Testimony to Strengthen Personal injury Claims

Car accidents are devastating for many victims. While damage cannot be undone, it is possible to move forward. Healing is not easy, but a lawyer can help with financial losses. One way to strengthen a case is to use witness testimony. The Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. understand what you need to get a fair outcome in your case. Contact us online or call us at 215-569-9100 for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.