Witnessing a car accident first-hand requires a calm, cool, and collected response under traumatic circumstances. Your course of action will largely depend on the severity of the crash and the extent of the injuries, but there are some general guidelines to keep in mind. By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to help your fellow drivers until the professional emergency responders arrive.
Ensure Your Safety First
If you are driving when you spot a car crash, pull over to the side of the road at least 100 feet from the scene and put on your hazard lights. You want to give enough distance so you don’t put yourself in danger of broken glass, leaked fuel, or flames.
Call 911
Never assume that someone else already called 911. Even if the wreck doesn’t appear severe, the authorities should be notified. Let the 911 operator know you witnessed a car accident, the location, number of people involved, and any other pertinent details.
Check On The Victims
Once you’ve ensured that it’s 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. While this can be an emotionally taxing time, try to stick to the facts and remember that this is not the time to assess who is at fault for the accident or make judgments on what the other driver must have been thinking. A good rule of thumb is to never admit fault at the scene. Unless there’s a risk of the vehicle catching fire, do not under any circumstances move an injured person. Despite your best intentions, you could accidentally make the injury worse. Let the trained medical professionals tend to the injuries, but you can provide comfort by reassuring victims that help is on the way.
Stabilize The Vehicles (If You Can)
If the accident is minor, ask the driver to put the impacted vehicle in “park” and turn off the ignition. This will eliminate the risk of fire, especially since chances are good that the crash has caused an oil, fuel or coolant leak. If it’s safe to do so, enlist help to move the car out of further harm’s way and to leave space for other vehicles and emergency responders. If that’s not possible, set up flares or traffic triangles to warn other drivers of the accident.
Give A Statement & Provide Your Contact Information
When the police arrive, provide the relevant facts and your contact information. In the days and weeks following the event, you may be contacted as a witness by legal and medical authorities and/or insurance claims agents. Be honest, factual, and consistent with your statements.
Car accidents can be upsetting for the victim and the bystander alike. The best way to deal with an accident is to stay on the scene and report what you’ve seen. Only exit your vehicle to render aid if it is safe to do so. Your clearheaded actions to safely assist or protect the victims until emergency assistance arrives can make an enormous difference in the overall outcome.
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By Stephanie Levis
David L. Horton says,
Great advise. Thank you GEICO.
Roger koll says,
P.S. After turning off the still running car and checking inside to see if there were other victims, I grabbed the girls purse from the car and handed it to the paramedics as they drove her to the hospital knowing that she would need identification and be appreciative of having her valuables, if any, with her. This accident occurred in Pinehurst, NC.
scottwdennysr says,
i would stay there see if i could help until the proper people came to take over like the law
Roger koll says,
You are absolutely correct as to what to do if you witness an accident. I happened to be the first responder to an accident that I witnessed. I parked my “Blue” car and called 911 reporting location and possible injuries. I checked on the first victim and he seemed to be OK. I checked on the second victim and I could tell she was suffering possible shock so I sat her in my car and waited with her for the ambulance. Soon a sheriff arrived. He started questioning us as to what had happened even before the medics had arrived. The sheriff asked about the “Blue” cars involvement and I had to explain, “No, that is my car and I wasn’t involved in the accident!” The medics arrived and I signaled them over to my car where the female victim rested. The sheriff continued to piece together the details. After the medics took charge, I thought I’d better go over to see if there were any more victims in the girls car such a child or pet. I found that her car was still running so I shut it off and searched her car. Fortunately there were no other victims. Don’t rely on law enforcement to handle the situation. If you’re a first responder, do what you need to do by keeping everyone safe as your first priority. Law enforcement can piece together the details when appropriate. I gave the officer my name and number and it wasn’t long before the insurance agents were calling me for details.
gloria favata says,
that information was a ggod idea to keep handy thank you
MJ Santana says,
It’s a good tips thanks!!!
Shaun .Public Safety Dispatcher says,
In YonkersNY there is no need to dial 911 unless there is a life or death incident occurring. In an accident where the cars are drivable and no one needs an ambulance , the parties are encouraged to exchange information and give that information to their insurance companies; NY is a no-fault state. No need for Police unless there is a problem exchanging or in an argument; still then no Police report.
Jackie wynn says,
I love this article. It makes me understand what to do .
John Pastore says,
Good info to know
Donna Sippel says,
Very helpful professional help. Lots to think about should an accident be witnessed. Thank you GEICO for messages such as this.
Jay Lives says,
Hey, can I borrow your car?
Henrietta P. Frierson says,
Thank you for this valuable information because now I know what to do incase something like this do happens in case of an accident and I should witness one.
Marie TELESCA says,
This information is useful.
Chuck Hall says,
Thank you geico for providing this timely and relevant information. What a great example of customer focus and corporate leadership.
Lee Chew Jr l. says,
Thanks for the tips, very useful information