Third Coast Auto Group Official Blog
What to do if you see a car accident
By Product Expert | Posted in Tips and Tricks on Thursday, March 2nd, 2017 at 4:18 pm
While here at Third Coast Auto Group we hope that everyone is staying safe on the road, sometimes that just isn’t possible. Someday you may end up in a collision, or maybe you will be a witness to an accident. Do you have to help if you see an accident? Here are some things to keep in mind before jumping out of the car to help in a vehicle collision.
Do you have to help if you see an accident?
There are no rules that say you have to stop and help if you see an accident. Indeed, in the case of a small accident or fender bender you and your vehicle may just get in the way of police or other people getting to the accident to help. However, if you see a way you can help (like if someone is struggling to get out of their vehicle, or you have knowledge of CPR or other medical expertise) then it might be awesome for you to stop and lend a hand.
However, if it would be dangerous for you to get out of your car to help, or might block traffic even more than it already is, you might want to just stay where you are, and wait for assistance with your emergency flashers on.
In An Accident? Stay Where You Are!
If you are IN an accident you have to stay where you are. Leaving the scene of the incident could turn the situation from a fender bender to a hit-and-run, which could cause major problems for you. Be sure to call 911, wait for the police, and exchange information with the other person in the accident.
Good Samaritan Laws protect you if you help
If you choose to help after the car accident, you should not move someone who is injured because that might make their situation worse. However, if you try to help in good faith, that person cannot sue you later thanks to Good Samaritan Laws in Texas. These laws ensure that people who just want to help are protected after the incident.
