The Valuable Eye Witness
Often, an at-fault driver in a car accident will refuse to admit that their actions caused the crash. In such a case, a credible, independent witness can be helpful in determining which driver was negligent. The witness may end up playing a crucial part in the ultimate outcome of any insurance claims. In addition to providing an unbiased account of the facts of the accident, a witness may also play an important role in getting medical help to anyone injured in the crash.
What to Do After Seeing a Car Crash
If you are a witness to an automobile accident, your first instinct may be to try to help the crash victims. If you end up in such a situation, please follow the safety steps outlined below:
- Make sure you are safely parked. If you are a driver, park your vehicle in a location that is away from the accident scene and a safe distance from other traffic.
- What if it was a hit & run? If the accident involved a hit-and-run driver, do not attempt to chase the vehicle. This could result in violence. If you are able, take a photograph of the fleeing vehicle’s license plate and report what you witnessed immediately to the police.
- Use caution if you approach the involved vehicles. Monitor the scene and be aware of the surroundings if you choose to approach the scene of the accident. Even if the collision is relatively minor, there could be significant dangers, including the potential for fire or road rage behavior.
- Call 911. If there are any injured parties, do not attempt to move the victim(s). Call 911 and describe the situation to the operator. Follow all instructions given.
- Stay calm. It may seem like forever for first responders to make it to the scene, especially if there are people with severe injuries. Do not discuss fault for the accident before the authorities arrive at the scene, at which time you can give an official statement regarding what you witnessed.
- Do not leave until you are released by the police. After you speak with the police, they may come back to you with further questions. Specifically, ask if it is okay if you leave before you do so. Because you may be shaken up by what you witnessed, use extra caution when leaving. Drive slowly, and keep a lookout for pedestrians and emergency workers.
- As soon as possible, document your account of the accident. Especially if the accident was serious, you may be interviewed at a later date to provide your account of what happened. Memories can change and fade with time, so it is best to make notes or an audio recording of all that you remember as soon after the accident as possible. Statements from credible witnesses can be very valuable in any legal matter where the fault is in question.
- Take care of yourself. Witnessing a serious accident can cause emotional trauma, especially if there were severe or fatal injuries. Even though you were not directly involved in the crash, feelings of anxiety, guilt, and depression could follow. These feelings should fade with time. If you continue to experience anxiety related to the accident, you may want to talk with a counselor experienced in treating symptoms of PTSD.
While there is no law requiring a witness to stay at the scene of an accident, doing so could make a significant difference for the victims – by ensuring their safety and by providing a credible, non-biased account of what happened that may help determine the outcome of an insurance claim or legal case.
Calling 911 is always a safe bet after a car accident. Watch the YouTube video below, which gives a bit of information about what happens after you make that call.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
Hello and thanks for reading. My name is Ed Smith, and I am a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento, California. If a negligent driver caused an auto accident in which you suffered injuries, our injury lawyers can help. For compassionate, free, and friendly advice, please call our office at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. We also offer an online contact form, if you prefer that method of communication.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/girl-person-female-young-1245713/
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