Auto accidents happen. Whether it’s a mechanical malfunction or a negligent driver checking his texts, eventually something is going to happen to cause an auto accident. It’s good to know what to do if you’re ever in an accident — from the moment of the incident to when you contact one of our lawyer professionals at Robert. J. DeBry — but what do you do if you witness an auto accident while driving through St. George?
Don’t Make it Worse
Once you see an accident happen, try to find a safe place to navigate your car out of the way. Stopping in the middle of the road can only serve to add your car to the problem, in which case you are no help to anyone. Find a safe place to pull off to the side of the road. In areas near St. George, there are plenty of places to safely navigate to without causing another auto accident.
Call 911
Sometimes the best thing you can do is call 911. The drivers involved may not be coherent enough to call themselves, so try to get the authorities there immediately. You won’t get in trouble with anyone’s lawyer if you are the first or last to call in the first responders.
Assess the Accident
With 911 on the phone, cautiously approach the affected cars if it is safe to do so. If the vehicles are located across a busy St. George highway, do not attempt to cross. Even if the cars are still in the middle of the road, it’s possible to get injured in another auto accident. If you can approach the vehicles involved, try to assess the drivers’ and passengers’ condition. Inform them that first responders are on the way. If both drivers are coherent and out of their vehicles, make sure to tell 911.
Wait for First Responders to Arrive
Don’t leave right away. Wait until an ambulance worker or police officer tells you to leave. The opposing driver’s lawyer could hold you responsible for abandoning the situation if you leave immediately. Tell the truth about what you saw. This can help insurance companies settle claims and prevent further accidents later.