What To Do If You Witness A Car Accident
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.
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Reporting accidents to police is critical for creating an official record of the crash.
What to do if you witness a car accident. Call 911 and inform the operator of the car accident. Calls to 911 are recorded and can be used as evidence so you help create a record of the accident. Call 911 immediately when you witness a collision.
When you witness a car crash on the road never assume that somebody else has called 911. If youre on a motorway the best way to do so is to call via an SOS phone located at the side of the road. Make sure you are on the lookout for broken glass fire and other dangers.
The following are the steps you should take when you see a vehicle collision. If you can carefully approach the crash site to check on the victims. Witness testimony can be invaluable during a car accident case.
Get out of harms way. Only exit your car if its safe. As an accident eyewitness police officers may need to hear your side of the story.
Every second can count if there are injuries so even if you suspect somebody has already called do it anyway. Let the 911 operator know you witnessed a car accident the location number of people involved and any other pertinent details. These phones will let the operator know your exact location.
If you witnessed an accident take the initiative and moment to call for help. The details you give to the 911 operator will also help. Those involved in the accident may also request your name and contact information as a witness.
Although you are not legally required to do anything after witnessing a car accident remember that your actions could save someones life or ensure that the person at fault is held responsible. If you witness a car accident you play an important role as your statements can help these people in verifying their car accident insurance claims and accordingly help them to receive appropriate compensation for their injuries and property damage. Turn on your hazard lights and stay far away from the accident especially if you suspect that its dangerous if a car is on fire for example.
Before you get out of your car make sure there arent any dangers like downed power lines broken glass or. Even if the crash appears minor you never know what sorts of injuries somebody could have. Avoid moving seriously injured victims as it may worsen the injuries.
Agreeing to give a statement as an eyewitness could mean going to court if the accident victims case ends up at trial. As a car accident witness you may be asked to report what you saw. Stabilize Vehicles if You Can If the accident is minor ask the driver to put the impacted vehicle in park and turn off the ignition.
Then call the emergency services. Try to be far enough away from the accident to leave room for emergency vehicles and to ensure that youre not in any danger. Stick to the facts and do not speculate about the fault.
Check On The Victims Once youve ensured that its safe to approach the scene check on the condition of the crash victims to make sure they are okay and offer help if you are able. Before you offer assistance make sure youre a safe distance from the crash and in a safe place where other drivers can avoid you. While this is unlikely prepare for this as a possibility if you give victims or the police your contact information.
If you find yourself the witness of an accident here are six key tips to keep in mind. If youre the nearest person to the crash or the first person to witness it pull over if you can do so safely. Let the operator know you witnessed the accident and are on the scene.
Unless you have medical training do not attempt to render assistance. Keep Yourself Safe If You Just Saw a Car Accident. Write down what you remember soon after the.
This will eliminate the risk of fire especially since chances are good that the crash has caused an oil fuel or coolant leak. Dial 911 and report the accident to the police. See if anyone is hurt and needs medical assistance informing the 911 operator if there are injuries.
DONT ignore a subpoena. You can verbally confirm that emergency medical help is on the way and try to calm the accident victims. 6 things to do if you witness a car accident.
Put on your hazard lights. Turn on your emergency flasher lights so other drivers and emergency vehicles can easily spot the accident. So if possible we encourage you to follow these next four.
An officer may request that you provide a signed statement with details about the crash. An operator may also give you advice based on your description of what you can do to help the people involved. Firstly check if anyone is injured and requires an ambulance.
Even if the crash appears minor make the report. A witness statement in a car accident case can help injured parties get the settlement they need. Remove car accident victims from dangerous situations eg an exposed electric cable if.
Stay 100 feet or more away from the scene of the accident. Check on the victims. If youre driving and you witness an accident in front of you make sure you pull over to a safe area.
Next put on your hazard lights.
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