Witness a Car Accident? Dos and Don’ts

Witnessing a car accident can be frightening and traumatic. You might not know how to react. It can also give you the rare opportunity to help someone in dire need. Saying and doing the right things as a witness to a crash in Texas could make an important – and potentially life-saving – difference to those in the wreck. Do your best to take the right steps if you witness a car accident in Houston.

Do: Stop at the Scene

Although Texas’ hit-and-run law will not apply to you as simply a witness and not someone directly in the car accident, it is still important to stop as close to the scene of a car accident as possible if you are one of the first to see the crash happen. As one of the first people at the scene, you might have the unique opportunity to help where others cannot. Your swift intervention could mean the difference between a crash victim’s life and death in serious cases.

Do Not: Put Yourself in Danger

Stop as close to the scene as you can while still staying in a safe location. Do not block oncoming traffic. Use your emergency hazard lights to warn other drivers about the accident. Before approaching the crashed vehicles, check for hazards such as spilled liquids (it could be gasoline), fires, downed power lines and broken glass. Only offer your assistance if you can safely get to the victims without putting yourself in danger.

Do: Render Aid

Help in ways you can as one of the first to the scene of a crash. Call 911 to report the wreck. Do not assume someone has already done so. Ask those involved if they have injuries and need assistance. If so, request an ambulance when you call 911. Do not attempt to move the victims of the crash unless they appear in imminent danger. Moving an injured person incorrectly could make his or her injuries worse. You may also be able to help by collecting evidence for the victims of the crash. This could mean taking photographs and offering to send them to victims, for example.

Do Not: Be Afraid to Help

Some car accident witnesses hesitate to intervene and render aid for fear of facing civil liability for unintentional injuries or damages caused. You might not want to lift an injured person out of a wrecked vehicle, for example, in case doing so causes a catastrophic injury. Under Texas’ Good Samaritan Act, you do not need to worry about paying for someone’s damages if you unintentionally cause them while rendering assistance to the person in good faith. As long as you do not behave wantonly or negligently in rendering assistance (and you are not a licensed medical professional), you will not be liable for civil damages.

Do: Leave Victims With Your Information

Before you leave the scene of a car accident in Houston, give all parties your contact information as a witness. This includes both drivers and any responding police officers. The police might ask you questions about what you witnessed, as well as what actions you took when you approached the scene. Taking the time to stick around, answer questions and hand out your information could help victims later.

Do Not: Ignore a Court-Issued Subpoena

If you leave a victim your information as a car accident witness, you might receive a phone call from a lawyer weeks or months later asking for a statement. Do your best to recall the details of the crash and answer all questions honestly. Typically, a lawyer can use your statement during a victim’s injury claim without you needing to officially testify or go anywhere in person. You might also need to submit evidence you collected, such as photos and videos. If, however, you receive a subpoena to appear in court as a car accident witness, do not ignore it. A subpoena is a legal order you must obey.