What to Do if There Are No Witnesses at the Accident Scene?
You may be entitled to compensation if involved in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence. Further, the injured victim must present evidence to prove negligence and liability on the defendant’s part.
If there are no witnesses at the crash scene, obtaining compensation from the at-fault party may be difficult. While eyewitness accounts can strengthen your case, other ways exist to prove fault.
A trusted car accident attorney in Anderson, SC, can provide legal advice on pursuing compensation from the at-fault party.
What to Do if There Are No Witnesses at the Crash Scene
Talk to the Police
South Carolina law requires motorists to file a crash report immediately with the local police department if the accident results in:
- Bodily injury
- Fatality
- Property damage exceeding $1,000
In addition to the above instructions, informing the police about a crash is helpful to your claim.
When the police arrive at the crash, they will create an objective report leading to the incident. In addition, request their names, contact details, and a copy of the police accident report, if available.
A police report can preserve the details of the accident and determine the party whose negligent actions caused the crash.
Gather Accident-Related Information
Although bystanders’ statements at the crash scene can provide an accurate account of how the crash occurred, there are other ways to prove the crash. Additional sources of evidence may form a basis for pursuing compensation from the at-fault party.
Take steps to obtain information that will be crucial to your claim:
- Images of vehicle damage and scene of the crash
- Name, address, contact details, driver’s license, and license plate number of the other driver involved in the crash
- Names and contact details of passengers at the crash scene
Seek Medical Attention
Car crashes result in injuries even at low speeds. You may not understand the full extent of the accident immediately after a collision. A comprehensive medical evaluation can reveal hidden injuries whose symptoms may appear days or weeks after the crash.
A healthcare provider will initiate treatment and generate medical records. Consequently, you can rely on the medical records to file a personal injury or lawsuit to obtain damages for your losses.
Tell Your Insurance Company
You’ll want to inform your insurance provider about the crash. Minor injuries often develop complications affecting the at-fault party’s ability to pay. Therefore, your insurer may compensate for the losses if the at-fault party has no coverage or holds low coverage.
Your insurance provider may cover your losses if you hold uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Speak With an Experienced Anderson, SC Car Accident Attorney Today
Your finances, physical condition, and life in general can be seriously affected by sustaining an injury in a car crash. You want representation from an experienced attorney ready to aggressively defend your right to compensation.
Bradley and Perkins has highly skilled car accident attorneys with decades of experience representing injured victims. Contact us online to schedule your initial consultation and start protecting your rights.