What Should You Do If You Witness A Car Accident In Bradenton?
Car crashes happen fast. One moment you’re driving down Manatee Avenue or waiting at a light on U.S. 41, then suddenly, the screech of brakes, shattering glass, and the chaos of a collision.
At the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely, we often hear from people who saw a crash but aren’t sure what to do next. Our experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer explains how to respond safely and why your witness account could be critical to helping injured victims get justice.
How to Help Safely at the Scene of a Bradenton Car Accident
If you witness a car accident in Bradenton, whether it occurs on busy roads like U.S. 41, State Road 64, Cortez Road, or near tourist areas along the Riverwalk, stay calm and avoid creating additional hazards.
There is likely to be significant confusion in the aftermath. To protect everyone involved, our experienced Bradenton car accident lawyer recommends taking these steps:
- Pull over at a safe distance and turn on your hazard lights.
- Call 911 to report the crash and provide dispatchers with the exact location and number of vehicles involved.
- Provide comfort to victims, but avoid moving injured people unless there’s an immediate danger, such as fire or oncoming traffic.
- Turn on your phone’s camera to document the scene, including vehicle positions, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
In some Bradenton car accidents, witnesses may be the only ones able to call for help if drivers are unconscious or severely injured. Your quick action in those critical first moments could save a life.
Why Your Witness Statement Matters in a Bradenton Car Accident Claim
Under Section 316.027 of the Florida Statutes, drivers involved in crashes must stop and render aid, but witnesses have no legal obligation to stay. However, if you did see a car crash in Bradenton, your testimony could help clarify liability.
After providing comfort to victims and ensuring emergency responders are on the way, take these additional steps:
- Speak with the officer on scene and provide a detailed statement about what you witnessed.
- Share your contact information with the police and the injured party so a Bradenton car accident lawyer can follow up with you later.
- Write down everything you remember as soon as possible, including the time of day, weather conditions, and any traffic violations you observed.
- Avoid speculating or guessing about facts, as this could undermine your credibility.
- Preserve photos or videos from the scene as evidence.
Your eyewitness account can help when dealing with insurers and ensuring at-fault drivers are held accountable.
Contact Our Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer Today
The Law Office of Steven G. Lavely offers the trusted, local legal help you need if you were involved in a car accident in Bradenton or witnessed one happening. With decades of experience serving clients in our community, you can count on our office to protect you and your rights. To speak with our Bradenton car accident lawyer, call or contact us online today.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.027.html
bradentonpd.com/report-a-crash
