If you have been a car accident victim, your friends and family will probably suggest you gather enough evidence of your innocence to get compensation for the damages. Evidence is an essential item in a car accident claim. However, there might not always be physical proof available after a crash. In such times, people often turn to witnesses. 

Witnesses are people who were near and around the accident site and saw the incident take place. By listening to their statements, the court makes a judgment about who was at fault if there is no material evidence. However, it is crucial to confirm the credibility of a witness before letting them speak for you. A Tucson auto accident attorney can help identify credible witnesses. 

What Does “Credible Witness” Mean?

A credible witness is someone who was there at the accident scene, watched the incident unfold, and is considered believable in the eyes of the law. Basically, a credible witness is someone trustworthy and unbiased. 

Credible witnesses are people who have nothing to lose or gain in the case. They are simply there to state their observations and describe the scene when enough material proof is unavailable. Based on their statements, the court decides which party was at fault and who should get compensation.

What Makes A Witness “Credible”?

Various factors affect the credibility of a witness. If you plan to present a witness in court for your car accident claim, double-check the following factors. 

Background 

The witness must have a clean record. A person with criminal records is less likely to be believed by the court. Even if they do not have a criminal record, a bad reputation is enough to decrease their credibility as a witness.

Relationship To Driver

The court is less likely to believe a statement made by a family member or a close friend. Witnesses with no prior relationship with the driver are more convincing. 

Impairment During The Accident 

If the witness had some kind of impairment while witnessing the accident, for example, if they were drunk or not wearing their glasses, it will diminish their credibility. The witness must be sober and clear-headed during the scene. 

Inconsistent Statements

A witness must stick to one story only. Making significant changes in their statements would not undo the initial ones. Moreover, if they keep making changes, the judge may suspect that they are lying, automatically removing them from the list of credible witnesses. 

Location Of The Witness 

Where the witness was standing and where they viewed the accident from is a crucial factor. The witness should have seen the entire scene, including all the vehicles and people involved.