What Should I Do After Witnessing a Car Accident
I’m Ed Smith, an Arden-Arcade Injury Lawyer. We are all used to seeing auto accidents portrayed in movies, tv shows, and video games. However, most people have likely never taken the time to consider what they would do after witnessing an accident in real life. If you are a witness to an accident, you have a responsibility to pull off to the side of the road and make a call to the police or 911. As a good Samaritan, you also have the duty to help out the victims but not at the expense of getting killed yourself.
Steps to Take After Witnessing an Accident:
- Pull over immediately: While it is important to pull off to the side of the road, you want to remain moderately far from the auto accident for your own safety. Keep a safe distance of 100 feet, just in case anything else happens. Don’t forget to switch on your hazard lights to alert others around you of the auto accident.
- Call 911: Do not make the assumption that someone else has made a call to report the auto accident. Do not wait to see if those involved in the accident are injured. You should notify authorities even if the collision does not appear to be severe. Let the 911 operator know the location and estimated time of the accident, as well as the amount of people involved.
- Carefully approach the crashed cars: Only approach the vehicles if it seems safe. If anything is on fire or an explosion seems possible, stay put until emergency responders come to the crash site.
- Check on the car occupants: Unless they are in life-threatening danger, do not attempt to pull anyone out of their car. If someone that is injured is outside of their car laying on the ground, don’t move them. If they are hurt, moving them may worsen their wounds. If they are injured and able to move, you can assist in relocating them to a more safe place.
- Photograph documentation: Using your phone, take some pictures that show the entire car wreck from all angles. You should be ready to share the pictures with the drivers and the police officers, as this will help determine liability.
- Police statements: Once authorities have arrived at the scene, inform them that you were a witness and go over any relevant detail regarding the auto accident. Give them the full truth, with no exaggeration or white lies. Additionally, provide them with your home address and phone number for future contact.
Related Topics by Arden-Arcade Injury Attorney, Ed Smith:
Arden-Arcade Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, I am an Arden-Arcade Injury Attorney. If someone close to you has endured injuries that resulted from an auto accident, I’m happy to offer you guidance in your time of stress. Call me at or on my toll-free number at (800)-404-5400 to receive friendly, free advice. In addition, you can reach me online via autoaccident.com.
Since 1982, I have worked all throughout Northern California to assist people that are dealing with claims for wrongful death and/or personal injuries.
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