How a Passenger Can Help After a Car Accident

The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. After the initial shock, you may be wondering what to do, especially if you are a passenger in an automobile. Common questions you may have are: “how can I help?”, “what should I be doing?”, and “should I stay out of the way?”

Following a collision, there are a few things that should be prioritized. As a passenger, you can ensure these critical items are addressed and be a second pair of eyes on the scene. Continue reading to learn how you can be as helpful as possible as a passenger in a car accident.

Check for Injuries

Following a car accident, immediately check for injuries for yourself, the driver, and any additional passengers. If anyone suffered apparent injuries, immediately seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injuries are sufficient, it is in your best interest to seek health from a healthcare provider. Some injuries aren’t as obvious as others.

“Car accidents can cause a wide variety of injuries, from minor bruises to serious, life-changing trauma,” note the car accident experts at Connolly Brennan Ralabate, PC. Common car accident injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Cuts and lacerations
• Whiplash
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Disfigurement
• Nerve damage

Choosing to seek medical attention immediately after a collision can help identify serious problems or conditions early on and allow for medical personnel to monitor as needed.

Assist with Gathering Evidence

As a passenger in a car accident, you can help collect crucial evidence. While the driver talks with the other driver(s) involved in the accident, you can spend time collecting necessary evidence to help build your car accident case. Important evidence can include:

• Contact information for drivers, passengers, and witnesses
• Pictures of the cars involved
• Pictures skid marks on the road
• Pictures and videos of property damage done to any signs, landscape, or guardrails
• Pictures or videos of road defects
• Pictures of construction work
• Pictures and videos of injuries
• Video of a driver who is impaired
• Name and badge number of responding police officer

Watch What You Say

After a car accident, you may want to speculate about what happened. It’s normal to want to ask questions, clarify the situation, and assign blame. It is crucial to avoid this at all costs. 

Any statement you make to the other drivers and passengers involved can be used against you in the police report and car accident claim. Avoid discussing the accident with others as much as possible. Speak only using facts and avoid any words or phrases that imply or accept blame. 

Moving Forward After a Collision

The days, weeks, and months after a collision may be full of uncertainty for everyone involved in the collision. If you were injured as a passenger in an auto collision, you have the legal right to compensation. Speak with a qualified personal injury attorney in your area to explore your options for compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help you figure out your next steps during a free consultation.