What to Do After You Witness a Car Accident
Author: Auger Law | April 4th, 2016
We have provided information regarding the steps you should take if you are involved in an accident, but what if you were witness to one? Being on scene when a car accident occurs can be traumatic, especially if the people involved sustain injury.
The first thing that you need to do, if possible, is to maintain a sense of calm. It will help anyone involved in the accident to see someone behaving without panic. The steps you will take depend on the severity of the accident. Your steps will also depend on whether or not anyone sustained injuries.
If you witness a car crash, here is what you can do:
1. Stay Safe
It won’t help anyone if you get injured. Stop your vehicle at least 100 feet from the scene of the accident. Turn on your hazard lights so that oncoming vehicles are alerted to slow down or stop. Do not walk in the middle of the roadway. Stay on the shoulder and be aware of any oncoming traffic.
2. Dial 911
Do not assume that someone else has dialed emergency services. Grab your phone and call 911. Be prepared to provide as many details as possible to the dispatcher. If you think that you will forget important details before the police arrive, jot them down or send yourself an email.
3. Check on Victims
If it is safe to do so, check on the people who were involved in the crash. Do not move anyone unless they will be in more danger if they stay in their vehicle. Stay with victims until medical help arrives and try to keep them calm.
4. Help the Drivers
Remind drivers to move to the side of the road if possible. If it is not, advise them to turn off their vehicles. A running vehicle that has been involved in an accident is a fire hazard.
5. Answer Questions
When the police arrive, answer any questions that they ask you. Be sure to provide your identification and contact information. This will help the officers get in touch with you should they have questions about the accident in the coming days.
There is no law that says you must stop after you have witnessed an accident, but chances are that you would want someone to do it for you. If you are able to stop and offer assistance safely, do so.
If you have been involved in a car accident in North Carolina, our personal injury attorneys are here for you. Call us today and let us provide you with a free case evaluation. Contact us now or browse our website for more information about our firm and how we can assist you.
