The following are some commonsense suggestions to help you if you ever find yourself a witness to a car accident:
CALL 911: Don’t assume that someone else has done so already.
TURN ON YOUR HAZARD LIGHTS: Check your watch. When the paramedics arrive, they’ll need to know how much time has elapsed from the time of the accident to their arrival.
ASK WHERE IT HURTS: Staunch bleeding as best as you can, but do not try to move anyone. It’s an automatic assumption that the victim has a head or spine injury.
WATCH OUT FOR FIRES: The only time it may be a good idea to move a victim is if there is a gasoline leak or a hood spark. If you see smoke billowing from under the hood, stand back 100 feet.
WHEN THE POLICE ARRIVE: Stand back and give them unfettered access. Don’t take any cell phone pictures. This isn’t CSI and you are not a detective.
If you are the victim, be sure to consult with an attorney in your area to find out the extent of your legal rights arising from involvement in the accident and what you need to do to protect yourself. Never, ever try to negotiate your claim with the other insurance company by yourself. Insurance companies have hundreds of lawyers on staff telling them how to settle your claim for as little as possible. You should have at least one attorney on your side.
For more information, please call 661-295-0361.