An auto accident lawyer from Tolbert Beadle aims to help you know how to act when witnessing an accident.
Auto accidents are often devastating, traumatic events for everyone involved. Drivers and passengers of the vehicles involved in an auto accident may be disoriented or unconscious, and they may not be able to provide information to police officers and emergency personnel. For this reason, if you witness an auto accident, your perspective will be important to any investigation or documentation. You may also need to speak with or otherwise help injured or shaken passengers. These tips from an experienced auto accident lawyer at Tolbert Beadle can help make sure you’re prepared if you do witness an auto accident.
If you witness a car accident, the most important thing is to make sure you don’t put yourself in danger. Even seemingly minor accidents may cause gasoline or other combustibles to ignite. You may want to keep your physical distance until emergency personnel arrive if you have any reason to believe there may be danger. Don’t exit your own vehicle in the middle of traffic or stop somewhere where it could cause another accident.
If you suspect or know that individuals in the car are injured, call 911 immediately. If you determine that it is safe to approach the car, you may wish to make any injured parties as comfortable as possible, but do not move them. Moving an injured person can turn a minor injury into a serious one. Make note of any injuries the individuals mention; you may need to report these to police, paramedics, or an auto accident lawyer later.
When the police arrive at the scene of the accident, provide your name and statement to an officer. Make notes detailing what you witnessed. You may receive a call from an auto accident lawyer to provide a detailed statement or deposition if there are questions about who was at fault. Most depositions will be administered under oath, so it’s critical to be honest in your statement.
Witness testimony is especially important in hit-and-run accidents. If you witness a hit-and-run car accident, do not try to confront the driver; it could lead to dangerous and reckless driving. Instead, attempt to read and write down the license plate number of the fleeing vehicle, and immediately call 911. If it’s safe to do so, you may approach the victim after the hit-and-run driver has left the scene of the car accident to provide any information that you have about the other driver. Write down a description of the vehicle, plate number, and any other details that the victim may wish to provide to an auto accident lawyer.
Contact our Auto Accident Lawyer for More Information
Whether you’ve been a victim or a witness of an auto accident, Tolbert Beadle auto accident lawyers are here to help guide you through the legal process. Contact us for any additional information or representation.
