A road accident is a common occurrence in Texas and knowing how to act in these situations is essential. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, an average of 24 car accidents occur in Austin every day. These incidents are not only a problem for traffic, but they also endanger the lives of those involved.

In 2023, there were 4,283 fatal traffic accidents in Texas. And so far in 2024, there have already been 59 deaths reported on the state’s roads. These statistics highlight the seriousness of road accidents and the importance of being prepared to react appropriately if you witness one.

Now, imagine you’re driving through the streets of Austin and suddenly you come across an accident on the road. Cars are stopped, blinkers are flashing, and something serious seems to have happened.

What would you do in this situation? Knowing how to act correctly is crucial to helping those involved, as well as ensuring your own safety and that of other drivers.

In this article, the team at Attorney Dang – Accident Lawyer will provide you with a complete guide on what to do if you encounter a car accident on the road in Austin.

We will explain the steps you should follow and the importance of making quick and responsible decisions at that time, protecting both the victims and yourself.

Assess the situation safely

The first thing you should do when witnessing a crash on the road is to assess the situation without putting your safety at risk.

Adrenaline and shock can often make us want to act immediately, but it’s crucial to make sure you’re out of harm’s way. If the accident happened on a busy highway or road, pull over to the side of the road if you can do so safely. Remember to activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the situation.

If you are in an area where it is not safe to stop, it is best to continue driving and call the authorities.

Call the authorities immediately

It is critical that you call 911 as soon as you observe a serious accident on the road. When making this call, provide accurate details about the location of the accident and any relevant information about the conditions of those involved.

Even if there do not appear to be any serious injuries, it is essential to notify the authorities. If possible, invite the affected people to have a complete check-up, as some health problems may not be immediately apparent, such as shock or internal injuries.

In a highway accident, time is critical. Quick intervention by emergency services can make a significant difference. Emergency dispatchers are trained to guide you while you wait for help to arrive.

Offer help, but with caution

After you have called 911, if you feel safe and able to do so, you can approach the people involved in the traffic accident on the road to offer your help. However, it is important to keep in mind a few considerations:

• Don’t move the injured: Unless there is an immediate risk, such as a fire or explosion, never move a person who has been in an accident. Moving them without the proper equipment could make their injuries worse.
• Ask if they need help: If people are conscious, you can ask if they need anything while emergency services arrive. Sometimes just being there to provide emotional support can be very helpful.
• Don’t become a distraction: Stay out of the way of first responders as much as possible and don’t try to intervene if you aren’t properly trained.

Provide a detailed report to the authorities

When emergency services arrive, they will most likely ask you for a report on what you observed. It is important to be honest and clear about what you saw in the road accident. If you were a direct witness to the accident, your observations may be useful for investigations and determining liability.

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Additionally, in some cases, your testimony could be crucial if one of the parties involved decides to take legal action later on. So, be sure to provide as many details as you can remember, such as the time the accident occurred, the speed at which the vehicles appeared to be going, the weather conditions, and any other relevant factors.

The role of a witness on the road

Witnessing a road accident can be shocking, but it also puts you in an important position. Even if you are not directly involved in the accident, your role as a witness can be instrumental in clarifying what really happened. Here are some tips if you find yourself in this situation:

• Document what you see: If it is safe to do so, taking photos or videos of the accident scene can be helpful to both investigators and insurance companies.
• Share your contact information: If authorities or stakeholders ask for your details, provide them so they can contact you if they need more information.

Remember that even if you are not directly involved, it is always important to collaborate responsibly and ethically.

Avoid using social media to talk about the accident

Nowadays, many people have a tendency to share everything on social media , but it is important to resist this temptation in the event of a road accident on the highway. Posting photos, videos or comments about what you saw could interfere with the investigation or complicate potential legal claims.

The authorities and those involved in the road crash may be in a delicate situation, and disclosing information publicly may jeopardize the privacy of those affected or even affect the credibility of your testimony if the case goes to court.

How to help victims of an accident

Witnessing a serious accident on the road can trigger a natural instinct to help. While help from the authorities is paramount, there are ways you can help as a citizen:

• Stay calm: Maintain a calm and confident attitude to avoid increasing the stress of the victims.
• Offer blankets or warm clothing: If the weather is cold, offering something to cover victims can help prevent shock.
• Speak reassuringly: Sometimes just being present and speaking calmly can make hurting people feel safer.

What to do after witnessing an accident?

Once you’ve done everything you can to help out after a road crash, it’s important to reflect on what happened. Witnessing an accident can be emotionally shocking, and you may need to take some time to process it.

If the accident was particularly serious or traumatic, consider talking to someone you trust or even seeking professional support to deal with the emotional aftermath. People often underestimate the psychological impact that witnessing an accident can have.

What to do if you are the victim of a road accident?

If, instead of being a witness, you yourself are involved in a car accident on the road, it is essential that you follow some important steps to protect yourself both physically and legally:

1. Seek immediate medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show up right away.
2. Document the accident scene: Take photos of the location, vehicles, and any relevant details.
3. Exchange information with other drivers: Make sure you get names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plates.
4. Inform your insurer: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible so they can begin the claim process.
5. Contact a car accident attorney: If you have been injured or there are legal complications, having the help of an attorney can make a big difference in your case.

Attorney Dang – Accident Lawyers, your best ally in case of accidents

Knowing how to act when you witness a road accident in Austin is vital to your safety and the safety of others. From safely assessing the situation to responsibly offering help, each step is crucial to handling the situation correctly.

If you are involved in an accident, seeking the advice of a car accident attorney is key to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Remember, whether you are a witness or a victim, at Abogado Dang-Accident Lawyers we are here to help. If you have been the victim of a road accident, you are not alone. Contact us for a free consultation and start protecting your rights today.

If you found this article interesting, you can also read:

• When to Contact an Austin Car Accident Attorney?
• How to improve your safety at work in Austin

Information verified by lawyer Loc Dang

Loc Dang is a founder and member of our legal team. In this blog, Attorney Dang shares his expertise to guide accident victims.