How can you safely help after witnessing an accident in San Antonio?
Man Assisting Accident Victims on Loop 410 Hit and Killed by Passing Vehicle
According to a KSAT News report, two people were arrested, and a man is dead following an accident on Loop 410.
Police reported the accident happened at around 2:15 a.m. Thursday, December 26th, on Loop 410 near Vance Jackson Road on the North Side. A driver was reportedly going the wrong way when they struck another vehicle, though no one was injured. That’s when witnesses stopped to help, but one man was struck by a passing vehicle as he got out of his car. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The wrong-way driver was charged and arrested after being found to be three times over the legal limit. The driver who struck the good samaritan was also taken into custody, though the charges were unclear. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
Wrong-way drivers caused 3,655 crashes statewide in 2023.
How to Safely Provide Assistance After Witnessing an Accident in Texas
Many people want to help after witnessing a bad accident, but it’s important to keep yourself safe while doing so.
The first moments after a car accident are critical; your assistance could save someone’s life. Let’s take a look at how to safely help after witnessing an accident you weren’t involved in.
#1: Call 9-1-1
Before doing anything else, pull over to a safe location and call 9-1-1. Many people skip this step, assuming someone else already did, delaying critical services.
Stay on the phone with the dispatcher until they inform you when you can hang up, being ready to provide critical information like:
- The exact location of the crash,
- How many cars were involved,
- How many people were injured,
- How severe the injuries are.
#2: Approaching the Vehicle
Before approaching the victim’s vehicle, make sure it’s safe to do so. Never cross approaching traffic, unless it has stopped due to the accident. Don’t attempt to leave your car if you can’t see approaching traffic clearly. Many good Samaritans are injured and killed while trying to help others due to ignoring these risks.
#3: Turn Off the Ignition and Put the Car in Park
If you can safely approach the vehicle, instruct the victim to turn off the ignition and put the vehicle in park, or do it for them if they are unable to do so. This critical step is often overlooked by victims in shock and can cause the car to roll forward or catch fire more easily.
#4: Helping the Victim
EMS should arrive within minutes. You should only try to administer first aid if EMS has not yet arrived and you are trained in first aid. If not, leave it to the professionals. The only exception is stopping profuse bleeding with a clean cloth and moving the victim if the vehicle is on fire.
Instead, offer reassurance that help is on the way. You can offer water and a blanket if you have one. Being there and helping the victim remain calm is more valuable than you think.
#5: Talking to the Police
When officers arrive, they may want to interview you about the accident. Give them as much detail as you can remember and answer truthfully to help them file the accident report. Your statement could help the injured victim get compensation for their injuries and bring any guilty parties to justice.
Injured in a Car Accident? Call Shaw!
If you were injured in an accident or while trying to help others involved in a crash, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Pain and Suffering,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Missed Work,
- Ongoing Care,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced car accident attorney. There’s no fee and no obligations attached — just the expert legal advice you need. Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 31 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.
²TxDOT Crash Contributing Factors