There are six steps to take if you are witness to a car accident, according to AOL Autos.
- If you are the first to see the crash take place, pull off to the side of the road at least 100 feet from the collision and turn your emergency lights on.
- Look for anyone who may be hurt. Asses what happened, but do not attempt to touch or move anyone in the crash unless the car is burning or they are in another dangerous situation.
- Call 911 and be prepared to tell emergency responders where you are, how many people are looking for assistance and if anyone is unconscious, bleeding or do not have a pulse.
- Help anyone who isn’t talking or walking to the best of your ability, but do not move them as this could result in more injuries.
- If you can, help the driver to move the car out of the road to a safe area. Do not drive their car unless police or emergency crews ask.
- Take pictures if possible to assist the drivers in the accident and give them to police or the drivers.
I recommend knowing the California Good Sumaritan Act, which can help you know how to react in order to avoid a lawsuit. Cailfornia’s states “no licensee, who in good faith renders emergency care at the scene of an emergency, shall be liable for any civil damages as a result of any acts or omissions by such person in rendering the emergency care.”
