What to Do When You Witness a Car Accident

If you witness an accident where someone got hurt, it can be almost as alarming as getting into one yourself. If you’re concerned about the right protocol when you witness a serious impact, no worries, because it’s simpler than you might think.

How to Stop and Alert Others

If it’s a serious accident, and it just happened (meaning others aren’t already helping), turn on your hazard lights and slow down if the accident hasn’t forced you to stop. Remain calm and do not do anything sudden. Serious injuries will lead to emergency responders, so be sure you are not stopping somewhere that could get in their way.

Check the Situation and Calling 911

Get to the scene quickly, but safely, and check to see if everyone is okay. If there’s been an explosion or fire, or you have reason to suspect that no one directly involved in the accident is able to call for help, call 911 immediately and give them the location of the accident. When you call, be brief and clear. Tell the operator how many people are injured and what you think their current conditions are.

Helping or Not Helping

If emergency responders are coming, it’s best to not get involved, but if you do choose to help, it should only be in a way that poses no threat from failure. Comforting a shaken-up person is fine, but do not try to move someone who has been hurt unless necessary, because it could exacerbate unseen internal injuries. If you are not a trained EMT, doctor, or nurse, do not do anything medical beyond CPR, if you have the training for it.

It can be hard to stand by, but the best mantra is, “Don’t be a hero.” Good intentions won’t protect you from liability if you make a harmful mistake.

Keep the Road Safe

No one should slow down to rubberneck an accident on the highway. It’s dangerous and raises the chance of another accident. Most people will be too embarrassed to look if someone is clearly watching, so be ready to wave off any unwanted spectators and keep traffic going as smoothly as possible. If you have road flares or other signals of an accident, place them near the site so it’s impossible to miss. This is especially important at night, when visibility is weak.

Give a Police Statement

The police will want the facts from your perspective, as it will help determine who was at fault. Keep it brief, answer any questions clearly, and give them your contact information. Do not take sides or discuss fault, as it could have legal consequences later. You may also need to speak with medical professionals or insurance agents, and the same guidelines apply.

Once you’ve given everyone your contact information, you can go home or on your way and relax, knowing you did what an ethical citizen should. Just remember what happened, in case you are called upon to state it again. Moreover, remember to drive extra safely to avoid the same accident happening to you.