If you are ever witness to an auto accident please keep the following tips in mind:
– Pull completely off the road and turn on your emergency flashers.
– Check to see if there are any injured persons. Do not move or touch any injured parties, just try to assess what happened.
– Call 911 and be ready to answer questions and provide as much information as possible. The dispatcher will ask for the location (street, intersection, ramp information). They will also ask how many people need help, such as is anyone bleeding, unconscious or in grave danger.
– If you happen to have a camera or smartphone, take a few pictures. Capture pictures of the vehicles involved, any street or road conditions which may have played a factor in the auto accident. Be prepared to share these pictures with the drivers and law enforcement.
People react differently in emergency situations, but you need to make sure you are smart about how to lend a hand. These tips will help determine what your involvement will be. You can find the official list of obligations and liabilities with being a witness and assisting with an auto accident at www.heartsafeam.com/pages/faq_good_samaritan
