What to Do If You Witness an Accident

It is always important to look out for your fellow drivers. Most of the time, this means driving safely and paying attention; but sometimes it requires real action. Car accidents are intense situations, and when you witness an accident and are the first person at the scene, you are called upon to act in good will and assist the victim(s). If it’s just a minor fender bender, be sure to refer the drivers to your local Denver car repair shop, Accurate Auto Body. But if things look bad, here are some tips for safely offering assistance.

After an Accident

Every situation is different, but this doesn’t mean that there aren’t some general guidelines which you can use to safely help the victim(s) when you witness an accident.

1. If safe, give assistance to victims in need of help: Talk to the victim(s) and try to get a sense of the situation. Do not move them, as this could cause further injury. Instead, help calm the victim(s) and assure them that help is on the way. Leave the treatment of injuries up to the professionals. However, if the victim(s) are trapped under a burning vehicle or in another dangerous situation, try to move them to a safe area if you are able.
2. Alert emergency personnel or other motorists to the crash: This can be done safely and effectively by switching on your hazard lights or using flares and traffic triangles if you have them.
3. Park a safe distance away from the crash: If you are driving when the crash occurs, be sure to park your vehicle at least 100 feet away from the scene. This will permit you to observe the crash from a safe distance while maintaining an access path for emergency vehicles.
4. Analyze the Situation: Before you get too close to the scene, check for signs of fire, fuel leaks or other hazardous conditions. Do not use flares if you see or smell any fuel leak. Look closely for possible injuries and victims.
5. Call 911: Always call 911; do not assume that someone else has already done it. Be prepared to give emergency personnel the key details of the accident, including location, the number of people involved, and the severity of the incident.
6. Check the vehicles: After talking with the victims, make sure all vehicles involved are parked out of the roadway with the ignition off.

Good Samaritan Laws

Unfortunately, sometimes when people attempt to help at the scene of a car crash they unintentionally cause further complications or injuries. Some states have enacted Good Samaritan laws for this exact reason. These laws offer liability protection for civilians who assist victims of accidents. Good Samaritan laws vary by state for which situations they cover, so be sure to check the specific laws for your area.

Always Offer Assistance

When a car accident does occur, civilian help can often make a huge difference in its outcome. By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can be sure that you are offering the best help you can while keeping both you and the victim(s) of the accident as safe as you are able.

How to Use this Information

It’s never a good day when an accident occurs, but Accurate Auto Body’s professional services and quality workmanship can help your car recover from damages. Please give us a call at 303-344-2122 or contact us through our website and we will be happy to help.

How have civilians helped you when an accident has occurred?