Evidence is key in any car accident case, but the types of evidence you have may matter more than the amount. Dashcam footage and witness statements can go a long way toward bolstering your case and proving the defendant’s negligence. But is one better than the other? Your car accident lawyer can help you explore the pros and cons of each type and gather as much compelling proof in your case as possible.
The Value of Eyewitness Testimony in Car Accident Claims
Eyewitnesses are any individuals who saw your crash firsthand. They may include:
- Passengers in your vehicle
- Other drivers on the road
- Passengers in other vehicles
- Pedestrians
Witnesses can act as valuable evidence in a car accident case, especially when they have no relation to you. For example, if another driver witnessed your crash, they won’t be biased in your favor or the defendant’s favor. They can provide a neutral testimony about what happened, supporting your case.
Of course, memories are not perfect. Individuals can misremember exactly what happened in a crash, especially if they were not paying close attention or only caught the tail end of it. In some cases, a witness may even harm your case because they erroneously recall you being at fault.
This is why it is important to review a witness’s testimony with your car accident lawyer before using it as proof.
Using Dash Cam Footage As Legal Evidence
More and more drivers are equipping their vehicles with dashboard cameras that record the road in front of them. Some cams even take continuous footage of the road behind the vehicle. If any such cameras caught your crash, they can provide clear evidence of how it occurred and who was at fault.
It’s very difficult to dispute videos clearly showing another car running a red light, rear-ending you, or otherwise causing a crash. Your car accident lawyer may take the time to reach out to all witnesses and even post a public request for any dashcam footage that may show your collision. They can also look for other video footage that may show your accident, such as videos from security cameras.
Dashcam vs. Witness Testimonies: Which Is Better?
Any car accident lawyer will tell you that the strongest evidence in your case is the evidence you have. They can use either dashcam footage or witness testimonies to bolster your case. But which is truly better?
Generally speaking, dashboard camera footage may be more convincing to a judge or jury than witness testimonies. Witnesses can misremember details of the collision, but it’s a little harder to doctor video clips (though certainly not impossible).
However, it is more likely that someone witnessed your crash than a dashboard camera caught it since not every vehicle is equipped with one.
You can bolster dashcam footage and witness testimonies with other evidence, like police reports and accident documentation. The goal is for all of your proof to tell the same story about the other driver’s negligence.
Our Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Build a Strong Case
The burden of proof in personal injury cases is on the plaintiff, which is why you need as much evidence as possible to show the other driver’s negligence. At Stewart & Stewart Attorneys, we help Indiana crash victims seek adequate compensation for lost wages and medical bills.
We can help you gather compelling evidence and assist with a range of other tasks, like negotiating settlements with insurance companies and representing you in court. Contact us today at (800)-333-3529 to request a consultation with our car accident lawyers.