From the Witness's Viewpoint
Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 320
I have a newfound respect for those who witness car accidents and then stick around to make sure the facts are known to the authorities. Last week I witnessed a terrible accident on Northern Virginia's beltway.
Travelling about 60 mph, I watched as a car whizzed past me on the left at a high rate of speed, then made a quick change of about 3 lanes going to his right.
"What a jerk" I thought.
Seconds later, he was at it again, this time swiftly moving back to his left. This time, though, something went wrong and all of a sudden his car was out of control. Next thing I knew (this seemed to unfold in slow motion--in reality it was over in seconds) a while panel truck/van itself lost control, turned sideways and started to roll down the beltway.
When all had come to rest, one passenger in the van had been ejected and lay in the roadway, motionless, about 30 yards ahead of where his van came to rest. Another occupant of the van tried to climb out of the blown out side window, then himself collapsed motionless in the middle of the highway.
The jerk's car was crashed but he was able to drive it safely to the side.
The highway was closed and a bunch of people tried to help the two innocent occupants of the van.
Man oh man... I don't know how they did. I didn't read anything about the accident in the paper, so hopefully they both survived.
The trooper asked several of us to write out exactly what we had seen, starting with "I was travelling northbound on 495 when...."
That was much tougher than I thought it would be... as I said, the incident had unfolded in slow motion...when had I first seen the jerk's car?? How many feet between me and them when he collided into the van??? How fast was I going??
All questions I have asked hundreds of times at deposition...years after accident happened.. expecting scientifically precise answers that I could piece together to argue a case on behalf of my client.
I have a new respect for those who witness accident and then stick around to "stay involved."