How to Cope with Police Questions when You Witness a Car Crash

By Sophie, published Sep 19, 2007
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Witnessing a car crash can quickly send a person into shock, as it is not something that you expect to see everyday. Unfortunately, the harrowing ordeal does not end there. Eyewitnesses of the events that led to a car crash will not be free to just walk away as if nothing happened. They will have to prepare themselves to answer police questions.

How to Cope with Police Questions when You Witness a Car Crash: Honesty

It goes without saying that an eyewitness to a car crash should be completely honest with their answers. Remember that the police are asking questions in a bid to get to the bottom of what happened on the road. They will not be able to successfully piece together the events that led up to the car crash if they have to deal with eyewitnesses who are dishonest. It will make it harder to get a clear picture of what happened and it will also result in criminal proceedings if you are found guilty of the crime of perjury.

Do not think that telling the truth will necessarily get the driver into trouble. If the police know that the crash occurred 10 minutes ago due to an animal that ran into the road, they driver will not face prosecution. It will be an open and close case and no one will be deemed at fault of the car crash.

How to Cope with Police Questions when You Witness a Car Crash: Attention to Detail

The police will want to know the answers to very specific questions. What time did the car crash occur? Was there another vehicle involved? Who crashed into whom? What were the road conditions like at the time of the crash? What led up to the car crash? If possible, try to make a mental note of what occurred. Any detail that you are able to recall will be of use to the police in their investigation. Granted, this will not be easy to do if you have witnessed a car crash. But take a moment to compose your thoughts and emotions and then proceed when you feel ready to do so.

How to Cope with Police Questions when You Witness a Car Crash: Contact Information

How to Cope with Police Questions when You Witness a Car Crash

Make sure you co-operate fully with the police

Credit: digiology

Copyright: morgueFile.com

Takeaways
  • Eyewitnesses to a car crash cannot just walk away; they must answer police questions
  • Make sure you provide honest answers to the police questions
  • Be sure to provide specific, detailed responses to police questions
Did You Know?
Witnessing a car crash is a very traumatic experience, but your willingness to co-operate with the police will make the police investigation into what occurred easier
Comments
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That's dreadful, Alyce. I'm glad it worked out well in the end though. Sophie

Posted on 10/01/2007 at 9:10:00 AM

 
Good advice and so true about momentary shock of freezing up. I was glad a woman stopped after seeing a lady rear end me. The lady later issued a citizen's ticket against me and I had that witness to refute the charges. The police had given her a ticket at the time of the accident and I could not believe she had the audacity to try to blame me for her reckless driving.

Posted on 10/01/2007 at 12:10:00 AM

 
Great advice as always.

Posted on 09/27/2007 at 2:09:00 PM

 
Great tips!

Posted on 09/25/2007 at 11:09:00 AM

 
very good tips!

Posted on 09/23/2007 at 10:09:00 PM

 
Good advice.

Posted on 09/22/2007 at 5:09:00 PM

 
I'll pass if possible. Police scare me even though I can't explain why.

Posted on 09/22/2007 at 5:09:00 PM

 
great tips sophie.

Posted on 09/21/2007 at 9:09:00 AM

 
Excellent advice for those who find themselves in this unfortunate situation.

Posted on 09/20/2007 at 7:09:00 PM

 
great advice

Posted on 09/20/2007 at 2:09:00 PM

 
It really is hard to collect your thoughts during this time. I remember barely being able to answer questions during my first car accident because it was such a scary experience. Great job!

Posted on 09/20/2007 at 10:09:00 AM

 
Great article! I have been in that position (unfortunately) and it is hard to collect your thoughts as things usually happen so fast, but it is important to be accurate and 100% sure of your statements to the police.

Posted on 09/20/2007 at 8:09:00 AM

 
It is amazing just how many accidents happen each year. I hate witnessing anything.

Posted on 09/20/2007 at 8:09:00 AM

 
Great tips! It's hard enough coping with even the sight of a car crash let alone deal with a bunch of questions.

Posted on 09/20/2007 at 8:09:00 AM

 
Thanks for the comments. I was inspired to write this after a lady crashed into someone else's car and almost ran my husband and I over. The police were soon on the scene, so we had to give a statement. Sophie

Posted on 09/20/2007 at 7:09:00 AM

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