Can I Remain Anonymous if I Witness a Car Accident?
Each year, approximately 6.2 million car accidents take place in the United States. If you are a witness to a car accident, you may be called upon later to testify on the plaintiff’s behalf. Although you are allowed to remain anonymous if you witness a car accident, concealing your identity could threaten your credibility. This could result in the victim not recovering fair compensation for his or her losses.
In this blog, our Conway car accident lawyer discusses factors that impact a witness’s credibility as well as the implications of choosing to remain anonymous.
Factors that Impact Witness Credibility
A third-party witness who can corroborate a victim’s version of events is more credible than a witness with a biased perspective (such as a passenger). Besides providing an impartial account of events, other factors that impact witness credibility include:
- If the individual saw the entire event from beginning to end, the witness’s statement will hold more weight.
- If the individual’s account of the event is consistent each time he or she testifies. For instance, if a witness’s testimony at a deposition is different from that at trial, this will have a negative impact on the person’s credibility.
- If there is evidence that the witness has any type of bias, prejudice, or motive to misrepresent facts, this will also have a negative impact on the witness’s credibility.
- If the witness was attentive during the accident, they will hold more credibility than someone who was concerned about getting away from danger.
- If the witness has good eyesight and hearing, the individual will be able to provide a more detailed account of the incident.
Being a credible witness may involve admitting that you did not see or hear everything. A witness who has an answer to every question may lose integrity, making it appear that the individual is providing canned responses.
Reasons that a Witness May Retain Anonymity
A witness may choose to retain anonymity for any of the following reasons:
- To avoid intimidation from the defendant
- To protect themselves from retaliation
- To avoid damaging a potential connection in the future
How Can Remaining Anonymous Affect Witness Credibility?
If you choose to keep your identity concealed, it could affect your credibility. Although you do have the right to remain anonymous, your testimony may not carry as much weight in supporting the injured party. Under the South Carolina Rules of Evidence, any party is allowed to attack your credibility. By remaining anonymous, the other party may argue that you have something to hide.
Keep in mind that it is often difficult for an accident victim to acquire credible witnesses since bystanders are often more concerned about their safety (understandably!) than paying attention to the circumstances behind a crash. If you are able to provide testimony regarding a car accident, it will go much further to support the plaintiff’s case if you are willing to reveal your identity.
Consult with a Conway Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today
Whereas remaining anonymous makes a person feel a false sense of security, it does very little to support an injured party’s case. If you witnessed a car accident, the Law Office of Brad C. Richardson is prepared to work with you to prepare your testimony while ensuring your protection. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with our Conway motor vehicle accident lawyers today online or by phone.
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