Any type of car accident can be traumatic. If you have been involved in a crash or witnessed one, you may need to assist the occupants of the vehicle. So, how to help someone after a car accident?
You need to take action, but you don’t want to put your own safety and that of others at risk.
Your actions could potentially save lives, minimize injuries, and provide comfort during a distressing time. Here is a brief look at what you need to do during this time.
Protect Your Safety First
Before rushing to help, assess the situation. You always want to prioritize safety. It doesn’t do any good if you put yourself in jeopardy and require assistance as well. If you are driving, make sure to park your vehicle at a safe distance. After that, turn on hazard lights and approach with caution.
Make sure to look for potential dangers like oncoming traffic, fire, or hazardous materials. You never want to endanger your own life to help others; only provide help if the area is secure.
Call for Emergency Assistance
Even if you cannot assist, you can call for the police or paramedics. With that, you will want to provide as many details as possible, such as:
- The location of the accident
- The number of vehicles involved
- Whether there are visible injuries
- Potential hazards, such as fires, leaking fuel, or blocked roads
Even if the injuries seem minor, it is better to err on the side of caution. The emergency responders are trained to assess and handle these situations. But in emergency situations, you can perform basic first aid.
However, you do not want to move any accident victims unless there is a direct threat to their safety, such as a fire or the risk of an explosion. If there is spinal or neck trauma, moving them can cause further damage.
Administer Basic First Aid and Provide Reassurance
Being in an accident is frightening. Many times, individuals involved may be in shock. During this time, you need to offer calm and supportive reassurance. Let them know help is on the way.
If you have first aid training and it is safe, provide assistance for visible injuries. For example, if someone is bleeding, then you can apply gentle but firm pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding. Do not remove embedded objects. Instead, you can apply pressure around the object.
Along with that, you may want to check for breathing and a pulse. If the person is not breathing, be prepared to perform CPR if you are trained. For scrapes and minor wounds, keep the area clean and avoid contamination. Follow your training and avoid attempting advanced medical care unless you are a qualified professional.
Gather Information
While waiting for emergency responders, take this time to document key details that may be helpful later. This includes:
- The condition of the vehicles
- The number of people involved
- The names and contact information of witnesses
You or the accident might need those details later on, especially if taking legal action remains on the table.
Offer Follow-Up Support
Once emergency services have taken over, your help might still be needed. Sometimes, the accident victim might not be able to reach out to family members or friends. You can offer to contact them.
When you can provide a form of communication, you are providing additional support. You may also want to leave your name and contact information with the on-scene medical professionals. In these cases, family members can contact you to provide details of the accident. In some situations, you might need to present an eyewitness account for a legal claim.
Take Care of Yourself
No one wants to witness a car accident, but sometimes you just get placed in these situations. Helping at the scene of an accident can be emotionally draining. After the incident, take time to process your emotions. If the experience has left you emotionally shaken, you might consider speaking with a counselor or trusted individual to work through your feelings.
Know Your Legal and Insurance Responsibilities
Depending on your jurisdiction, there may be legal protections regarding your involvement in an accident scene. For example, Texas has the “Good Samaritan Law, which states that “person who in good faith administers emergency care is not liable in civil damages for an act performed during the emergency.” You will want to familiarize yourself with these laws to understand your rights and responsibilities.
After a vehicle crash, it is important to remain calm. You will need to assess the situation, provide reassurance, and offer basic assistance. In any case, make sure to prioritize your safety.
And for those who have been involved in a car wreck, make sure to contact the team at Barrera Law Group, LLC. We can provide you with the guidance you need to take legal action.