Are
you familiar with the bystander effect? According to studies, the
more people who witnessed the accident, the less likely they are to
want to help. Many assume that others have already called for help.
But not acting right away after the accident and not helping out may
have certain emotional implications on witnesses. They may feel bad
that they weren’t able to help out.
So,
what can you do if you are a witness to an accident?
First,
ensure that it is safe to go to the accident area. Make sure there
are no vehicles passing by at high speed. They might not spot the
accident scene yet. Call 911 or if you don’t have your phone with
you, ask someone else in the crowd to call for help. If you can,
provide first-aid care until medics arrive. BC has a Good Samaritan
Act that protects people coming to the aid of those in need from
liabilities, unless there are injuries inflicted due to gross
negligence.
Provide
a witness statement to the police. If you have photos or videos of
the accident, you can provide these evidences to the police, which
will be very useful to the claims of the accident victims in the
future.
For
accident victims, be sure to get as many witnesses to the accident as
you can. Lawyers
in Prince George BC
can help you collect evidences and witness testimonies. Choose
lawyers in Prince George BC who will be able to help you in filing
for a claim. DB Law has extensive experience when it comes to motor
vehicle accident claims.
