A wreck just happened in front of you. What should you do?

Not everyone who is involved in a car wreck is actually “involved” in the accident. This is true if you happen to be in the area and witness the wreck.

Steps to Take When You Witness a Car Crash

If you are driving and happen to witness a car accident, it’s essential to pull over safely if you can. You should keep a distance of at least 100 feet from the scene of the crash and turn on your emergency flashers to make sure that other drivers and emergency responders can see you.

Call 9-1-1. Make sure to give them a thorough description of the accident and be ready to provide precise location details. If you find yourself on an interstate or highway, it’s a good idea to point out the nearest on- or off-ramp or the closest mile marker.

Determine whether it’s best to help. It’s important to keep in mind that you should only relocate an injured individual if they are in imminent danger, like from flames or approaching vehicles. Trying to move them might lead to additional injuries, so this action should be taken only as a final option.

Only provide medical assistance if you are qualified or if qualified operators request it, since your actions might not be legal or the most appropriate. If you are asked to give emergency help, ensure that you are aware of your rights.

If safe and possible, you might be able to assist in moving disabled cars out of the way of traffic, but do not try to drive the vehicle on your own.

Capturing the scene with pictures and providing contact details can assist emergency responders and those affected.

Obligations of Witnesses

If you see a car accident, it’s really important to do something about it. If you know how the accident happened, think about stopping to give your contact info and what you saw to the people involved, or you can call the non-emergency police line to let them know what you witnessed. If you find an accident after it has already taken place and help is already there, it’s best to just leave the area. But if no one has stopped to help, you should call 9-1-1 right away to report the accident and check if anyone needs urgent help. After that, follow the steps mentioned above to see how you can help safely.

Witnessing a Fatality

It is crucial to focus on your own mental health after going through a traumatic experience, even if you feel the urge to help others who are impacted. One method to achieve this is by giving a witness statement to a police officer present at the scene and sharing your contact details with the next of kin. Furthermore, reaching out for support from a reliable person like a pastor, doctor, or therapist can be helpful in dealing with the situation and handling any emotions that arise.

What about witnesses of my accident?

There might be situations where getting statements or information right at the scene isn’t possible. If you can, use your smartphone to capture an eyewitness account or at least get their contact information for later use. Also, think about going back to the scene if the accident happened in a public place and ask local business owners or nearby residents if they saw what happened. Moreover, it’s a good idea to check the police report since people who reported the accident might be listed there, even if you couldn’t collect statements or witness details on the day of the incident. Finally, it’s advisable to ask the witnesses you already know if there were any other people around who could give more evidence to help your case.

IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN A CAR, TRUCK, OR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT, CONTACT US TODAY.

Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.

We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.