How Can You Help Someone Who Has Been in a Car Crash?

By Neal S. Gainsberg | November 16, 2017

How Can You Help Someone Who Has Been in a Car Crash? Cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs: on the roads of Chicago, you see them all. The chances are good that, at some point or another, you’ll experience a fender-bender of your own. The chances are even better, though, that you’ll witness a crash involving someone else. When that happens, you might want to help the victims, to ensure that they are okay.

If you’re having a Good Samaritan moment, though, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

  1. Stop your vehicle a safe distance away. Pull over about 100 feet away, and turn your hazards lights on.
  2. Dial 911. Tell the dispatcher what you can see, and where you are located. If there is a fire, report that, too. Police, fire fighters and EMTs will be sent based on your description, so be as accurate as you an.
  3. Make sure you are safe. If the car is on fire, or perched precariously, you’re not helping by jumping into the situation. Putting your own life in danger – especially if you’ve had no emergency training – just creates more challenges for first responders.
  4. Ask the victims if they want or need help. If you see people exiting the car, or moving about, approach calmly and ask if you can be of assistance. Do not pretend to have medical or emergency services training that you so not have, but offer whatever assistance you can. Inform them that you have called 9-1-1, and offer them your phone to call a loved one or their insurance company, if necessary.
  5. Offer water, blankets or umbrellas. You can offer the victims a place to sit, or some water or snacks. People like snacks.
  6. Talk to the police, not the insurance companies. Give a statement, your name, and your contact information to the police. If the insurance company is in the phone and asks to speak with you, decline politely.

What should you NOT do after a crash?

If your first instinct is to help, then you might want to run over and pull people from a car, or administer CPR. DO NOT DO THIS, unless you have undergone training. Moving a body from a car crash can actually cause more damage to the victim. You never want to touch someone else’s blood if you’re not wearing gloves, and you shouldn’t attempt CPR or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation unless it looks like the victim may succumb before the authorities arrive. We know it’s hard not to help, but you don’t want to create any complications for the victims.

We applaud people who help those in need, but you don’t want to hurt yourself, or anyone else, in the process. If you have sustained an injury in a car crash in Chicago, Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers is here to help. Please call  312-600-9585 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.

Posted in Auto Accident