WHAT TO DO IF YOU WITNESS AN ACCIDENT

We’ve all seen the aftermath of an accident. Fender benders and serious crashes can leave drivers dazed and confused, and oftentimes in need of assistance before the emergency teams can arrive. If you witness an accident while you’re driving, make sure you know what to do so you can provide the maximum amount of assistance while keeping yourself out of harm’s way.

Keep Yourself Safe

If you’ve witnessed an accident, always put your safety first. Carefully pull over to the side of the road at least 100 feet away from the accident in order to leave ample room for emergency vehicles to arrive and to keep yourself away from potential debris. Only exit your vehicle if it is safe to do so.

Call 911

Quickly assess the situation and dial 911; never assume someone else has already called. You should be able to report that there was an accident, the location, number of people involved, and any other pertinent details.

Check on the Victims’ Conditions

Make sure it’s safe to approach, then check to see how all of the victims are doing. There may be a chance you can improve the condition but DO NOT move any victim unless there is a risk of fire. Moving an injured person could unintentionally cause more damage. Leave this to the professionals once they arrive and instead do your best to comfort and reassure any injured persons.

Stabilize the Vehicles

If possible, have the drivers put their vehicles in “park” and shut off the ignition. This will help reduce the risk of fire and prevent the situation from becoming worse.

Give a Statement

Take the chance to calmly assess the details of the crash and give them to the authorities when asked. Do not make accusations about who is at fault, rather stick to the facts of the crash and let the authorities determine responsibility for themselves. Be prepared to give your contact information should the authorities need to contact you again in the future.

In the event of a crash it is important to remain calm and clearheaded. An accident can be traumatizing for the victims and by rendering calm and appropriate assistance you can help ensure the best possible outcome. Stay on the scene to report what you’ve seen but always put your safety first. By following these rules you can help make the road a safer place for all drivers even after the unavoidable occurs.

Categories

Relative Posts

  • Types of Distractions Leading to Car Accidents

    Despite advancements in automotive safety features, car accidents remain a persistent aspect of American life. Worse, most automobile accidents are not caused by faulty vehicles or acts of God but by human error. Distracted driving is a chief culprit in car accidents when drivers split their attention between driving and other tasks, whether eating, texting,...

    View Article
  • Statistics and Trends of Distracted Driving-Related Accidents

    “Hang up and drive.” We’ve all seen the bumper stickers, and many have nodded approvingly. But the siren song of our cell phones is strong, even when we’re driving. And it’s not just our phones that are at fault. Drivers should focus on the road alone, but the reality is that many things compete for...

    View Article
  • What Happens If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver?

    Pedestrian accidents in Virginia are the cause of countless injuries every year. Regrettably, those involved in these accidents are often left with physical and emotional injuries that have far-reaching consequences. After being hurt in an accident, victims can file a personal injury lawsuit. But what happens when the involved driver has no car insurance coverage...

    View Article