For many of us, it’s difficult to see another driver in distress and not want to do something to help. Often drivers will stop to assist with a bad car accident, only to be hit by another car and seriously injured – if not killed. So how can you help another driver while still protecting yourself? Here are 3 tips for staying safe while assisting another driver in need.
1. Do NOT approach the vehicle from the driver’s side.
Although it may be instinctual to want to go straight to the injured driver, it’s imperative that you do not approach their vehicle from the driver’s side if the car is on the right shoulder of the road. This is because doing so makes you much more likely to be hit by another driver who doesn’t see you until it’s too late. For the same reason, you should try to refrain from parking on a sharp curve, hill, or other landscape that can make it difficult for you to be seen from further away.
2. Ensure that you are dressed appropriately for your own safety.
When you are trying to help another driver, the last thing that you – and they – need is to injure yourself. One way to protect yourself from harm is by dressing in the appropriate outerwear. This may include wearing shoes with proper traction or a warm jacket in frigid temperatures. It may also be in your best interest to store a glow-in-the-dark vest in your glove compartment to make yourself more visible in dark or inclement conditions.
3. Leave a good amount of room between your vehicle and theirs.
When you are trying to help someone else who has been involved in a car accident, you may not know exactly what happened to the vehicle, nor might you know how the vehicle will respond as a result of the accident. That’s why it’s always in your best interest to leave a good amount of room between your vehicle and the other. This way, if the vehicle behaves unexpectedly, you will be more distanced.
The Attorneys at Miller & Tischler, P.C. Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or while helping another person, you should not have to be bear the burden alone. When you are already dealing with so much, the last thing that you want to do is to have to worry about tackling the legalities of your situation.
The Michigan personal injury attorneys at Miller & Tischler, P.C. can help you to fight for the compensation that you deserve. We understand the seriousness of your injury and the physical, emotional, and financial hardships that you have endured (and will continue to endure). We will gather the necessary evidence and build a case to help you receive the most optimal outcome. We’ll help you fight for the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
