Can I Remain Anonymous if I Witness a Car Accident?
As Statements You Make Could Be Pertinent in Determining the Cause of A Car Accident In Ponca City, Witnesses Will Generally Have To Provide Their Names And Contact Information.
Car accidents in Ponca City happen on an unfortunately regular basis. Even if you are not directly involved in a crash or collision, you may be indirectly involved by having witnessed it. Statements regarding what you saw could prove vital in police investigations and in helping the injured party get compensation for their injuries. While you may prefer to remain anonymous in making a report, providing your name and contact information is the best course of action.
What Should I Do if I Witness a Car Accident in Ponca City?
According to the state Highway Safety Office (OHSO), close to 10,000 car accidents in Oklahoma happen each year. These can leave drivers and passengers involved suffering serious, potentially life-threatening personal injuries while resulting in road hazards and lengthy traffic delays that impact other motorists.
Car accidents do not just happen but are generally due to reckless driving on the part of others. In the aftermath. As a witness, you may be shaken and uncertain of what to do next. The following are important steps to follow:
- Pull your vehicle to the side of the road and make sure it is not blocking traffic;
- Notify the police immediately, providing the location of the crash;
- Call an ambulance if it appears anyone is seriously injured;
- Once the police arrive, provide a statement regarding what you saw before, during, and after the car accident.
Why Providing Your Name and Contact Information is So Important
While witnesses may not have a problem reporting a car accident, calling an ambulance, or making statements to police, they often wish to do so anonymously. However, once you make a statement to the police, they will generally require your name and contact information. To avoid providing this, you may be tempted to simply leave the scene before they arrive.
It is important to recognize how helpful your statements could be both to the victim and in getting a potentially dangerous driver off the road. Without your name and contact information, there is no way to identify you or get further statements. In addition, even if you choose to leave rather than providing your name, others may have recorded your license plate number. Not remaining at the scene could make it appear as if you had something to do with the accident and will make the police even more determined to contact you.
Contact Our Ponca City Car Accident Attorneys
At Boettcher, Devinney, Ingle & Wicker, we encourage car accident witnesses to come forward. If you were injured, you would want others to do the same and your actions could play a role in protecting your own safety and that of others on the road. To request a confidential consultation regarding your options, call 918-728-6500 or contact our Ponca City car accident attorneys online today.
