If you witness a car accident, it is natural to want to do something. If you find yourself in this situation, here are a few things you’ll want to do:
Don’t run up to the scene of a crash — there is always a risk of fire or explosion possible. Even in minor car accidents, you run a risk because those affected may be angry and the situation could lead to a road rage incident. If you stop to help, make sure you pull over safely first. Secondary car accidents are a concern.
Never try to stop or pursue the hit-and-run driver. He or she may feel desperate and could be dangerous. Write down or take a photo of the license plate number if you can and call 911 immediately if you witness a hit-and-run accident.
Don’t try to move injured parties yourself — instead, follow instructions given to you over the phone by the 911 dispatch. If an injured person has suffered internal injuries, spinal injuries or other injuries, you could make the situation much worse by moving them. You may also be held liable if you cause further injury to someone at the scene of an accident.
It can take a few minutes for emergency responders to arrive and it can be difficult to wait, especially if the accident was fatal or someone was injured. If it was a relatively minor accident, tempers may flare. Keep yourself safe and wait until authorities arrive. Don’t engage in debates about what caused the accident with those who are involved — wait to give your statement to police. If someone is in shock, reassure them that help is on the way and try to keep them calm by talking to them.
As a car accident witness, you may be asked to report what you saw. You may also be contacted by attorneys and insurance companies to discuss what you saw. Give your contact information and explain what you saw as clearly and objectively as you can. A witness statement in a car accident case can help injured parties get the settlement they need.
Once you’ve done all you can to help and police have told you to leave, you can exit the scene — but do so carefully. Obey the rules of the road and drive slowly, as there may still be pedestrians and emergency responders on the scene. You may still be shaken up by what you saw, or you could still be distracted. Give yourself extra time if you need it.
As soon as it’s safe to do so, consider writing down what you recall about the incident. Writing out a detailed account immediately helps keep details fresh in your mind, which is important since you may be asked to repeat what you saw a few times in the coming weeks. If one party isn’t being entirely honest about what transpired, it can be easier to remember what you saw if you write it down.
Helping as a car accident witness, even if you weren’t involved in the crash itself, can be distressing. If you saw a serious or fatal collision, you may still be thinking about it days or weeks later. It’s normal to remember and even to consider your own role in the incident. However, if you feel guilt, anxiety or worry to the point that your eating habits, sleeping patterns or interests are affected, you could be suffering from trauma. If you notice signs of depression, or if your experiences are affecting your daily life or ability to work, speak to a doctor or counselor. You can also join a support group to get the emotional help you need.
You’re not legally obligated to stay at the scene of an accident if you were not a part of the accident or indirectly the cause of it, but by staying you could be making a difference. If someone is injured, calling 911 can be instrumental in saving a life.
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