What To Do If You Witness a Car Accident in Georgia

Posted on 12/18/22

in Car Accidents

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know what to do if you witness a car accident. Do you stop? Do you call the police? Do you render aid? It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed in such a situation, but it’s important to stay calm and take action. Here’s what you need to do if you witness a car accident.

Call 911

Call 911 and report the accident. Include as much information as you can, such as the location of the accident and the number of vehicles and people involved. 

Check for Injuries

Check to see if anyone involved in the accident needs immediate medical attention. If so, direct EMS personnel to the appropriate victims when they arrive on the scene. 

Wait For Law Enforcement

Additionally, you should stay at the scene of the accident until law enforcement arrives and gives you permission to leave. It’s important that you stick around so that you can give a statement to the police about what you saw happen. Your eyewitness account could be crucial in helping investigators determine who was at fault for causing the accident. 

Take Photos

Another step you should consider is to take photographs of the damage to all the vehicles involved in the accident, as well as any visible injuries sustained by the occupants of those vehicles. These photos will serve as important evidence if any of the parties involved decide to file a personal injury claim against another driver or against another party with responsibility for maintaining safe road conditions (such as a municipality). 

Write Down What You Remember

If you saw the accident happen, try to write down everything you remember about it. This includes details like where it took place, what time it happened, which direction the vehicles were going, and anything else you think might be relevant. 

Get Contact Information

Finally, get contact information from all the drivers and passengers involved in the accident, and provide your number to them in case they need to contact you for insurance or court purposes.

Georgia’s Good Samaritan Law

Good Samaritan laws are designed to encourage bystander intervention in emergencies. The assumption is that the fear of legal repercussions will deter people from coming to the aid of strangers in need. In general, these laws provide immunity from civil liability for any damages that occur as a result of the good Samaritan’s efforts. 

Georgia’s good Samaritan law provides immunity from civil liability as long as the person was acting in good faith.

This law encourages people to render aid in an emergency situation without fear of legal consequences. Even if you accidentally cause further injury to the victim, you are immune from liability. 

Witnessing or being involved in a car accident is never am enjoyable experience but knowing what steps to take afterward can help minimize damage and ensure everyone’s safety. If you ever find yourself in this situation, remember to follow the above steps. Taking these steps will help minimize stress, protect your legal rights, and ensure that everyone receives the treatment and compensation they deserve.

If you need help or have any questions, contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.