Thursday, January 22, 2015

Witnessing a Car Crash: What to Do

Car accidents happen suddenly and without warning. Depending on the severity of the crash, you might either keep going or stop to help. If it’s only a fender bender, the chances that someone is going to stop are very slim. If it’s something more serious, basic human decency dictates that people will stop to help.

If you witness a serious accident, you might be confused as to what you should do. If you’re the first person to reach the accident scene, completely pull off the road. You should try to position yourself at least 100 feet or more away from the collision so you can leave enough room for emergency vehicles.  Turn on your hazard flashers to alert other drivers of the situation and to help emergency personnel see the collision.

Keeping your distance from the vehicles involved in the wreck, check to see if anyone is injured. It’s important that you don’t touch any of the victims. What you’re trying to do is only assess the situation.  Call 9-1-1 and if another person arrives to help, ask that person to dial 9-1-1 as well.  Whoever is dialing 9-1-1 must be prepared to provide as much information as they can and answer questions. This may include, the location of the accident, and the number of people requiring emergency assistance.

Go to the aid of anyone who is not already talking and walking around. Remember not to move a person who is injured unless the individual is in a burning vehicle or other type of danger.  Moving someone the wrong way can make an injury worse. If you can, help the driver of the wrecked vehicle move the car out of the traffic lane. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle unless a police officer or emergency worker has instructed you to do so. You can further help the victims of the accident by taking pictures of the scene. Be ready to give these photos to law enforcement or to the crash victims.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.