When Should You Stop For Help If You See A Car Accident?
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Thousands of car accidents happen on roads across America every year. Unfortunately, with crash rates so high, it is not a question of if you will ever see one happen, but rather a question of when. If or when you do witness a car accident, one question will likely spring into your mind: “Should I stop and help?”
Good Samaritan Laws & Car Crashes
Some states have passed Good Samaritan laws that provide legal protection to people who try to assist people in need within reason. However, caution must be used to avoid making it difficult for paramedics to reach people who need help if too many bystanders stop. In other words, in most cases you are not under any strict legal obligation to try to assist someone when you witness a car accident.
If I Witnessed a Car Accident, Do I Have to Stay at the Scene?
Not being obligated to help doesn’t mean you should always keep driving after seeing a crash. Insurance companies defending negligent drivers often rely on there being no eyewitnesses in order to escape liability and insurance payouts. That is to say, if no one stops to see how they can help after witnessing a car accident, then the victim has a higher chance of effectively being cheated out of compensation..If it is safe to stay and give law enforcement a statement you may be able to help someone who after being injured by no fault of their own fight with the responsible insurance company.
Witnessing a Car Crash? Here’s How to Help Safely & Effectively
When and how should you stop to see if you can help or provide an eyewitness testimony after seeing a crash? You need to rely on your instincts and what you can see about the environment around you to make that decision. You should never do anything that would jeopardize your own health and safety. If it is not safe for you to pull over, stop, and see if you can lend a hand, don’t.
Steps to Take at the Scene After Witnessing a Florida Car Crash
- Park a distance away: Only park in a place you know is safe to stop. You should keep at least 100 feet between your vehicle and the crash scene. This helps ensure you stop in a safe place away from traffic. It also prevents first responders and investigators from thinking your vehicle was involved in the collision. Be sure to click on your hazard lights when you stop, which helps other motorists know something is wrong.
- Call 911: In every state, calling 911 is an expectation after an accident that causes injury or significant property damage. In some, it is a requirement. Getting emergency responders to the scene as soon as possible is crucial not only to save lives but also to redirect traffic away from the scene. Never assume that someone else has dialed 911. Always call it yourself after you have stopped. The call will likely take less than a minute and the operator will tell you if they already know about the crash.
- Approach the crash: If it is safe to do so, approach the vehicles cautiously to see if anyone is injured. Be aware of gas and oil leaks, shattered glass, and stray shrapnel that could pose immediate dangers in the area. Remember to not do anything that puts you in danger, too, which would only exacerbate the situation.
- Check on injured parties: In case someone is seriously injured, you can try to comfort them as best you can. Unless you are trained to provide emergency medical care, you should consider refraining from providing care. If something goes wrong with your impromptu treatment, then you could be sued for it later. Instead, it is often best to provide reassurance that people are on the way, to keep talking with a crash victim so they stay conscious, and to stand between them and the sun if it is shining on their face.
- Put all cars in park: Ask all conscious and responding drivers or passengers to put their vehicles into park if it has not already been done. If it is absolutely safe for you to do so, you can reach through an open door and pull on the parking brake yourself. Securing each vehicle ensures they do not roll away into traffic or down a service trench.
Witness Statements Can Provide Important Support For Victims of Vehicle Crashes
Talk to authorities and give your contact info
Hopefully, at this point, firefighters and police officers will have arrived on the scene. Stick around to talk with them after they do what they can to help victims of the crash. As mentioned before, giving your statement can make or break a car accident victim’s claim. Provide your contact information to the authorities and let them know you are fine with them sharing that information with responding insurance companies.
Car Accident Witness FAQs: What to Do and Legal Obligations
Do you have to stop if you witness an accident in Florida?
While there is no strict legal obligation to stop and help after witnessing a car accident, stopping and providing a witness statement can greatly support the victim’s injury claim and help them receive fair compensation.
What is the 14 day accident law in Florida?
In Florida, you have 14 days after a car accident to seek medical attention and have your injuries covered by your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.
Who determines fault in an accident in Florida?
In Florida, fault is determined by the insurance companies involved after reviewing evidence like police reports, witness statements, vehicle damage, and more. If the parties disagree on fault, it may go to court.
Should you stop if you see a crash?
While not legally required in most cases, stopping and providing a witness statement after seeing a crash can tremendously help the victims receive proper compensation for their injuries and damages.
How important is a witness in a car accident?
Eyewitness testimony is crucial evidence that can help establish fault and liability in a car accident claim. The more credible witnesses, the stronger the case for the victim.
Orlando Car Accident Lawyer
Collect Evidence & Win Your Claim
Were you in a car accident in Florida that left you with serious injuries and extensive damage to your car? If Good Samaritans stopped to help you and provide their eyewitness statements, then your injury claim is off to a good start. Keep that momentum going by connecting with Todd Miner Law®️ in Orlando. Led by Attorney Todd Miner, the law firm has successfully collected millions of dollars in compensation for motor vehicle accident clients. See what Attorney Miner can do for your case by calling 407-955-5640 now.
