Immediately after a car accident, what’s said by other drivers, witnesses, or authorities - overheard phrases, offhand comments, or statements made in the heat of the moment - can play a significant role in determining fault and settling disputes later.
Casual Admissions
People involved in an accident may say things unintentionally that could later impact the outcome of a claim. For instance, another driver might say, “I didn’t even see you coming,” or, “I might have been going too fast.” These admissions, even if casual or said in passing, can indicate fault or negligence. However, memories fade, and verbal exchanges are easy to deny if there’s no record. By quickly documenting what you hear - whether by writing it down, using a phone’s voice memo app, or texting it to yourself - you create a reliable record that could help establish the facts of the situation.
Witnesses
Witnesses can also play an important role in clarifying what happened, but their accounts might shift over time. If a witness says something like, “That car ran the red light,” or “I saw the other driver texting,” you should jot it down immediately. These observations could support your case if liability is disputed. But if you fail to document things like that, witnesses may later forget or become unavailable.
Conflicting Narratives
Documenting conversations can help prevent manipulation or conflicting narratives. Some individuals may attempt to shift blame or distort events after the fact. If you have a record of what was said - such as a driver admitting fault at the scene but later denying responsibility - it becomes much harder for them to backtrack. Accurate documentation can clarify inconsistencies and safeguard your version of events.
A Jacksonville car accident lawyer at Wilkes & Mee can help you through this process, especially when it comes to negotiating with the insurance company