Skip to main content

Exit WCAG Theme

Switch to Non-ADA Website

Accessibility Options

Select Text Sizes

Select Text Color

Website Accessibility Information Close Options
Close Menu

If I Witness a Car Accident, Do I Have To Stay at the Scene?

AccWitness

Witnessing a car accident can be an incredibly horrifying and stressful experience. However, with the frequency of car accidents, there is a high chance everyone has or will witness a car accident at some point in their lives. After witnessing a Florida car accident, one of the common concerns that people have is whether they should remain at the scene. Below, we address this concern.

Must You Remain at the Scene After Witnessing a Car Accident?

Florida law requires drivers who are involved in an accident that causes property damage, injury, or death to stop at the scene. Drivers are required to stop at the accident scene and exchange information with each other. They are required to render aid to anyone who’s injured. If a driver who is involved in an accident leaves the scene, they could get into legal trouble. However, for witnesses, things are different. After witnessing a car accident, you are under no legal obligation to remain at the accident scene. In other words, there is no law that mandates that a witness must stay at a car accident scene. If you leave the accident scene, you will not get into any legal trouble.

However, just because you are not legally obligated to stay at the scene of a car accident does not mean you should leave an accident scene. Witnesses are encouraged to remain at car accident scenes. While you may not be legally required to stay at a car accident scene, you could offer first aid to the victims if you are trained in first aid. If you aren’t trained in first aid, you could help the victims call emergency services if they are unable to do so because of their injuries. If you witness a car accident and leave the scene, the involved parties may not receive the necessary medical care. You could also provide the police with an account of what you saw, which can help in the investigation.

Steps To Take if You Witness a Car Accident

If you witness a car accident and decide to remain at the scene, the following are the steps you should follow;

  • Ensure your safety: Before doing anything, ensure you are not in any danger. You won’t be of any help if you end up injured.
  • Call 911: Call emergency services immediately and provide the dispatcher with the location of the accident and any other relevant information, such as apparent injuries.
  • Provide basic help: If it is safe to do so, check on the conditions of the victims and offer help if you can. However, don’t move any severely injured person unless there is an immediate danger, such as a fire.
  • Be observant: Try to observe as many details as possible, such as the drivers’ behavior.
  • Talk to the police: When the police arrive at the accident scene, provide them with details of what you saw. Make sure you are honest in your portrayal of the event.

Contact Us for Legal Help

If you need help with a car accident case or have questions, contact our Tampa personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Fort Myers, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, Bradenton, West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Miami, Naples, and Melbourne areas.

Source:

flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

  • I can't express how much I appreciate this law firm. I had the honor to deal with attorney Daniel. He kept me updated on my case. I couldn't ask for a better law firm...

    — Terry Mcphillips
  • Speedy & superb handling of clients & cases, kind & caring. Highly recommended professionals. They made everything very easy for us, were outgoing & polite. I would call them again if ever in need, rather than call the larger firms that need to advertise & brag about winnings...

    — Joseph Kestell
  • Wow I called Pendas Law Firm the other day at their main intake line it was around 11 o’clock at night and I’ve got this wonderful representative his name was Jeffrey Alvarez. This guy was very professional and his compassion was out of this world..

    — Luis Sanchez
  • Thank you for helping us in our time of need. This firm handled my father’s workers comp case, and helped us with every question we had, and we had a plenty. Thankful for the entire legal team!

    — Enilno Resu
  • I just concluded a case with attorney Michael Sanchez and paralegal Camilo Lopez. I can only say they are exceptional. The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. They are not only courteous and professional, but they also are amazing at their job...

    — Israel Garcia
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family.

    — Ian Brito
  • Very Professional law firm. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (worker's compensation). Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. They are very kind, friendly, responsible, I love this firm. They fight for their clients. AwesomeTeam!

    — Lau Rod
  • I am very proud and happy that my case was closed, and definitely won! Lizette Gonzalez was my case manager and I definitely recommend this P.A.! Honestly, no other lawyer even tried to fight my case at all, I was turned down by most of those who I called...

    — KingArroyoVEVO
  • Great lawyers who speak Spanish and English. Danny Cruz and Lizette Gonzalez helped with my case and put my parents worries at ease. They got my case over and done with within a year and helped get all my bills paid.

    — Caroline Matute
  • This was a positive, informative and pleasant experience concerning an unpleasant situation. Everyone I spoke to was very professional and compassionate. I always felt to be in the best and most capable hands. the Pendas Law Firm lives up to its reputation!

    — Jean Villarreal
  • Pendas Law did an awesome job working my claim against my homeowners insurance. They had refused to pay for the wind damage to the roof. Larry with Pendas Law Firm was assigned to my case and immediately started working on it. I could not be happier. Will definitely use Pendas Law in the future if needed.

    — John Hibbert
  • I'm thankful to have chosen them , very responsible and communicative , Went in the office with my family and the environment was great ,Sahily walked me through the process professionally, I got a good settlement faster than I expected, would totally recommend.

    — Juan Fernandez
  • I'm very happy with this firm... Joel is an excellent attorney and Carolyn is an amazing paralegal, After been ditched from another law firm, Pendas took care of me and they won my case. I recommend them 100%...

    — MARIA PASTOR
  • This law firm is amazing. I love how they always try to stay/keep in contact with you. It shows that they really care and want everything taken care of correctly, Thank You!...

    — SHANTELLE BLACKWELL
  • I'm very thankful for all the attention of all the Pendas staff that took care of my case and helped me through the process, thanks for your patience, collaboration and comprehension!...

    — CARLOS GUADALUPE
  • The Pendas Law Firm was amazing! They are very kind, professional, and hard-working! They always kept me informed. Larry Trias was great to work with! I always recommend Pendas to family and friends. Thank you for helping me with my case!

    — HEATHER PEPPER
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like family.

    — IAN BRITO
  • I would definitely recommend this firm. The staff really helps you and they actually show you that they care, especially Siomara Roldan. She has been a great help for my family and myself, she is always helpful with any questions.

    — WILMER D SANTANA RODRIGUEZ
  • Pendas is the best! The paralegals are very attentive to your case, knowledgeable, and communicative! The attorney also won’t just be there the day of your sign up, but all throughout the process as needed. I truly recommend Pendas!

    — MCKENZIE CZABAJ
  • Previous
  • Next
 

By submitting this form I acknowledge that form submissions via this website do not create an attorney-client relationship, and any information I send is not protected by attorney-client privilege.

Florida Personal Injury Offices

Skip footer and go back to main navigation