ERIE,
Pa., June 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
Approximately 6.5 million car accidents happen in the United States each year, according to the
U.S. Bureau of Transportation. You may know what to do
if you're involved in a car accident. But do you know what to
do if you witness one?
Erie Insurance cares about drivers' safety. Witnesses to car
accidents can play a critical role in ensuring the victims' safety.
They can also play a key role in assisting law enforcement and
claims adjusters in getting the story straight.
Here are six things to do if you find yourself in that
situation:
- Get out of harm's way. Before you offer assistance,
make sure you're a safe distance from the crash and in a safe place
where other drivers can avoid you. Put on your hazard lights before
you get out of your car, make sure there aren't any dangers like
downed power lines, broken glass or hazardous fluids. If there are,
remain in your car until help arrives.
- Help secure the scene. If you have flares or
emergency triangles, use them to alert others that danger is ahead.
(One exception is if there's a gasoline leak, skip the
flares.)
- Call 911. Even if the crash might not seem all that
bad, it's best to call 911 and notify them of what happened.
- Check on the victims. Unless you're a trained
medical professional and the situation is urgent, it's best not to
move anyone who is injured. Doing so often causes more harm than
good. Instead, let them know that help is on the way. A kind,
reassuring voice can help steady victims' nerves during a stressful
time.
- Take some photos. Victims may not be able to take
photos, so take some if it's safe to do so. You may be asked for
them later by the victims, claims adjusters and/or law
enforcement.
- Give a statement and/or offer your contact
information. If the police arrive, stick around to give a
statement of what you witnessed. If they don't, give your contact
information to those involved. Witnesses to car accidents are often
called upon by insurance claims adjusters later.
If your car was one that was damaged, it's a good idea to call
your insurance company ASAP to report the claim. Erie Insurance
maintains a 24/7 toll-free line for you to report
claims. When you purchase auto insurance from
ERIE, we commit to being there
when you need us. To learn more, talk to a local ERIE agent in your neighborhood.
About Erie
Insurance
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based
in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 11th
largest homeowners insurer, 13th largest automobile insurer and
13th largest commercial lines insurer in the United States based on direct premiums
written. Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company
and the 19th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net
premium written. Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, ERIE has more than 6 million policies in force
and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. News releases and more
information are available on ERIE's website at
www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance Group