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what information of mine will they ask for?

Al44
Al44 Posts: 21 Forumite
I recently witnessed a car accident and feel bad for the victim as it wasn't their fault. a crazy driver who wasn't paying attention to the road crashed into the back of them. I gave my phone number to the victim and want to help him.

I just wondered if anyone has ever acted as a witness in a similar situation?
what will be asked of me? e.g with they ask for things like my national insurance number and address etc?

and will I be expected to go physically go into court to give evidence?

no one was seriously hurt or anything but the victim ended up with a badly damaged car

Comments

  • Warwick_Hunt
    Warwick_Hunt Posts: 1,179 Forumite
    Al44 wrote: »
    I recently witnessed a car accident and feel bad for the victim as it wasn't their fault. a crazy driver who wasn't paying attention to the road crashed into the back of them. I gave my phone number to the victim and want to help him.

    I just wondered if anyone has ever acted as a witness in a similar situation?
    what will be asked of me? They will want to obtain an account from you and possibly a written statement. e.g with they ask for things like my national insurance number No.and address etc? Yes.

    and will I be expected to go physically go into court to give evidence? You may well be asked to attend.

    no one was seriously hurt or anything but the victim ended up with a badly damaged car

    ..........
  • Car_54
    Car_54 Posts: 8,978 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    When I had a similar experience, I got a letter from the victim's insurer a few eeks afterwards asking me to complete a statement - basically a straightforward account of what I saw. They're looking for facts, not your opinion of who's to blame.

    Obviously they'll have to 'phone you to get your name and address. I can't see any reason why they'd need your NI number, inside leg measurement, etc!

    It's extremely unusual for these things to end up in court, especially if it's as clear-cut as you've described.
  • Quentin
    Quentin Posts: 40,405 Forumite
    Assuming you are not a psychiatrist (or if you are you didn't examine the driver), then don't comment on the driver's mental state, or assert who was to blame!


    A witness is just that - you saw what happened, nothing else you add will help the driver you call the "victim"
  • ElefantEd
    ElefantEd Posts: 1,229 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Also - write down what you saw and heard as soon as possible ie now, in readiness. Your memory will fade and become distorted over time.
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