When it comes to car crashes, every witness wants to feel important to the police’s investigation.
The Importance of Observation
Twenty years ago, I was the #1 major witness to a traffic homicide caused by an intoxicated roofer who was ejected from his van after crashing head-on with a mother and her child. Just moments before the crash, he had illegally passed me doing about 100 MPH in a 40 MPH zone. After I gave a detailed account of what I had observed, I felt like a hero. But the reality is, in most situations less is more.
Fight the urge to narrate to law enforcement any more than necessary. Instead, spend more time observing and listening to what others are saying at the scene. You’ll be amazed at what hidden gems surface at the scene of a crash.
Some recent highlights include overhearing that the at-fault driver was on his cellphone trying to find a particular store at the time of the crash, hearing from a passenger that the at-fault driver had ingested illicit drugs just minutes before the collision, and observing a driver hide containers of alcohol behind a bush near the scene.
These are facts that may not have been discovered but for a vigilant eye (and ear) at the scene of the crash. These facts can change the entire course of the case and sometimes even resolve the matter without formal litigation. Every case is different but as the old adage goes, we all have two ears and one mouth, and in this case, two eyes as well.
Should you find yourself involved in a traffic crash, spend more time listening and observing as you may notice something that ends up being pivotal to your case.
Fight the urge to narrate to law enforcement any more than necessary. Instead, spend more time observing and listening to what others are saying at the scene. You’ll be amazed at what hidden gems surface at the scene of a crash.
Some recent highlights include overhearing that the at-fault driver was on his cellphone trying to find a particular store at the time of the crash, hearing from a passenger that the at-fault driver had ingested illicit drugs just minutes before the collision, and observing a driver hide containers of alcohol behind a bush near the scene.
These are facts that may not have been discovered but for a vigilant eye (and ear) at the scene of the crash. These facts can change the entire course of the case and sometimes even resolve the matter without formal litigation. Every case is different but as the old adage goes, we all have two ears and one mouth, and in this case, two eyes as well.
Should you find yourself involved in a traffic crash, spend more time listening and observing as you may notice something that ends up being pivotal to your case.
If you've been injured in an accident, contact Wilkes & Mee today. Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers will help you review witness statements and act fast to get you the compensation you deserve.