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.
Being in an accident might be stressful, but GEICO Mobile makes the claims process easy. Download it today in the App Store or Google Play.
By Stephanie Levis
baker says,
I witnessed an accident while cycling, perhaps the only one who saw the accident from beginning to end. Other motorists stopped and I continued on my way knowing that others were attending. I called the local county sheriffs office, left my information concerning the accident and information they wished/needed to obtain.
Never any call from the Sheriffs office…………………….. So much for witness assistance, as you suggest.
A Mateen A says,
First I will call the plice and I be honest
If the police ask me sameting abut the
Accident I will tell the true story abut the accident .
And I alwes blive and I love the honest because my parsonality coming from
Honestly .
Jim Tippins says,
You should also add that you need to be prepared to be called as a witness if the accident comes to trial.
Cecilia says,
Great advice. However, there is an exception to the rule of never moving an injured person. I very much understand the risks of making an injury worse (especially if there is any chance of a spinal injury), but I witnessed an accident where a young man was thrown from his vehicle after several cars slid on black ice and collided. He was lying in the middle of the road, and traffic was still approaching. I ran over to him, told him I wanted to help him move. He agreed, and appeared to be most affected in his legs. I carefully lifted him by the shoulders and pulled him to the side of the road. Not one minute later, a police car slid right over the spot where he had been lying. I know it goes against all medical and legal advice, but I truly believe I did the right thing in that situation.
Bob says,
Whatever you do, don’t risk any harm to yourself just to save another person. Perfect advice for a nation of cowards. Be very thankful that those of us who served in the military didn’t take that advice. No telling what language you’d be speaking right now, assuming you would still be alive.
Joe Murrica says,
I think assessment of the situation might fall somewhere between Batman and coward.
chad says,
Bob… thank you for your service. It is greatly appreciated.
Marilyn DeSalvatore says,
Good information all drivers need to know.
Robert Avery says,
Thank you Geico for your Time and concern for our driving habits and concerns for others involved in a accident the tips are most helpful in the event of a accident. I Have been a Geico customer for the past few years and have been very happy with the service provided thank you Geico.
Kazuko Kubota. says,
When I might be killed in the accident of the car, I felt very scary.
I always keep careful driving in mind now.
I really gave GEICO great trouble. And prompt correspondence and mine, I thank you heartily. And I deeply appreciate very much.
You thank for having taught me the correspondence of the accident of the car carefully deeply.
I talk to friends how splendid GEICO is。
J. Mark Newman says,
Good advice, however you need to insure your safety as well. Gawkers are a real hazard.
Bobb Lawrence says,
Tried tested and true. JUST DO IT>It may save a life and a future…
joel says,
These are really great safety tips when ever I’m on the road. I will always keep in mind .thank you gieco!
Harold Baker says,
If I follow instructions and turn off the ignition and put the car in park how can I move the car out of the way?
“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.”
Jim haas says,
I r first aid trained and will always assiste in an emergency.
Imee R./ Jose R says,
Cool! That’s a excellent idea…
Thanks Geico you are the best. Nice to know thou?
Tonyajohnson says,
Thanks for the tips