Seconds count after a severe car crash where people suffer injuries that may be life-altering or deadly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compiled some sobering statistics: out of the 1,500,000 annual crashes where 911 dispatched Emergency Medical Services, 40% were alive when the first responders arrived but later died from their injuries. That’s almost half of those hurt in the car accident.
Obviously, it will take time for the first responders to arrive at the scene. Times will vary: a car crash in rural Indiana may mean a longer response time than a similar accident that happens in downtown Chicago, for instance.
For those who are at the accident scene before help arrives, either because they are nearby or because they were involved in the collision, it is important to know how to help those who are injured in the crash until medical professionals can get there. Lives may depend upon it.
10 Things to Know When Rendering Aid to Car Crash Victims
Here are several important things to know for anyone on the scene of a car crash in Illinois or Indiana:
1. Are There Dangers at the Scene?
Sometimes, the accident scene creates new dangers of its own. Fuel may be leaking. Do you smell gas or diesel? Electrocution may be a risk. Are there live wires on the street (think struck utility poles) or exposed wiring in the vehicle? Do you smell smoke? Fires often start after a crash. Are doors jammed or crushed, preventing exit for anyone? Does traffic pose a risk?
Tell 911 any risks you perceive, from the smell of fuel or smoke to traffic hazards, and do as instructed. This will often include turning off all vehicles at the scene if their engines are still running.
2. Identify All Victims
Tell 911 everything you can determine regarding all the crash victims. Are some conscious? Is anyone unconscious? Are there children in safety seats? Are there any disabled or elderly people involved in the wreck? How many are there? Can you communicate with them (speak their language)? Are there any pets involved in the accident?
3. Serious Injuries Are Not Always Visible
Some crash victims may be seriously hurt but it’s not easy to see. Maybe they have internal injuries, or internal bleeding; spinal cord trauma; brain injuries, or neck trauma (like whiplash). Do not assume that just because the crash victim isn’t suffering a broken bone or a bleeding wound that they are not seriously harmed. If it is a serious accident, assume everyone involved is suffering bodily harm in some way.
4. Victims Should Stay Put Unless Facing Additional Risk of Harm
Remember that it is best for the crash victims to remain where they are until first responders arrive, unless there is immediate risk of additional harm from something like a fire. Don’t move them if it is at all possible, and encourage them to stay put, too. Be calm and reassuring. As OSHA recommends, ask yourself “am I leaving the person better off than the way I found him” when deciding whether to move them after a car crash.
5. Victims Have a Legal Right to Wait for EMS
Anyone wanting to help a crash victim needs to be respectful of their right to wait for the first responders. If the person wants to wait for EMS, that is their decision. If the injured crash victim is conscious, ask them if they want help. “Are you hurt? Do you need help? May I help you?”
6. Moving to the Victim
Be aware that the victim may be terrified and in great pain. Speak to them before you touch them or get near them. Introduce yourself. Tell them EMS is on the way. Tell them you have 911 on the phone.
Tell them you are coming close to them, keep your voice reassuring, and tell them before you touch them. Do this even if they appear unconscious. Maybe they just haven’t opened their eyes; don’t startle the victim.
7. Check Victim’s Breathing
Make sure the victim’s breathing is not blocked by something in their airway. Tell the 911 Dispatcher what you find. Do not attempt CPR unless you have been trained in it. With the dispatcher’s instructions, you may need to roll the victim onto their side to keep their airway open.
8. First Aid for Injuries
If at all possible, with the guidance of the 911 professional, wait for EMS to render medical care and treatment. But in some situations, like bleeding, you may need to take action to save a life. Do so with the instructions of the dispatcher, who will guide you through things like direct pressure to the injury, or elevating the area to reduce bleed out.
9. Shock is Real and Dangerous
Shock may be suffered not just by those who are involved in the collision itself but by others on the scene. Some car crashes are horrific and seeing these accidents can be traumatizing to witnesses and bystanders. Shock is a concern here, and it alone can be deadly.
Look for symptoms of shock in all around you – and in yourself. Is someone pale? A face that goes pale is a sign of shock. Other symptoms of shock, according to the Mayo Clinic include:
- Cool, clammy skin
- Pale or ashen skin
- A gray or bluish tinge to lips or fingernails
- Rapid pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Enlarged pupils
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness or fainting
- Changes in mental status or behavior, such as anxiousness or agitation.
Tell the 911 Dispatcher you suspect someone is suffering from shock. Steps to help them will include laying them down, and elevating their feet so more blood goes to their brain; keeping them still; and not letting them eat or drink anything until the first responders arrive to treat them.
10. Remember Just Being There is Important
Never underestimate how important your presence can be to that crash victim who has just gone through one of the most devastating events of life. Talking to them, holding their hand, telling them things like “it’s going to be okay,” and “help is on the way,” as well as “I’ve got 911 on the line, things are happening to get you help,” are all tremendously important. Feeling the care of a stranger can also be life-saving, keeping blood pressure down and injured bodies still from movement.
For more, read “How to Help a Victim of a Car Accident,” written by Hamza Ali and published by OSHA – HSE Blog on January 1, 2025 and “How to Help a Victim of a Car Accident,” written by Anthony Stark EMR and published by WikiHow on June 18, 2025.
Laws for Helping Crash Victims in Illinois and Indiana
There may be laws on the books that impact these situations, where someone is on the scene of a car crash before EMS arrives and lends aid. Each car crash must be investigated on its own individual circumstance to learn how various laws and regulations apply.
For instance, IC§ 34-30-12-1 (2024) is known as the Hoosier State’s “Good Samaritan Law.” Lawmakers passed this statute to protect those people who stop to help accident victims from civil liability for their actions and they cannot be sued for negligence or mistakes they make unless it rises to the level of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
It applies to care that is given in good faith by someone who has no legal duty to provide help. Medical professionals stopping to help here may have different legal duties than the ordinary bystander. Read: Schneider, Rachel, et al. “Physician as Good Samaritan: A Clinical Review of Responding to Motor Vehicle Collisions in the Community.” Pediatric Emergency Care 41.4 (2025): 318-327.
Other legal duties may exist for those with other responsibilities in the crash. For instance, anyone involved in the crash who panics and drives away – avoiding calling for help or reporting the accident to the police — may be liable for criminal charges in Illinois or Indiana under state “hit and run” laws. Medical professionals, like the EMTs, will have legal duties of care to act as reasonable and prudent members of their profession.
For more, read:
- What To Do If You’ve Been Injured In A Car Crash in Illinois
- What To Do If You’ve Been Hurt In an Indiana Car Crash
- Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago
- Indiana and Illinois: Deadliest Driving Conditions for Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents.
Car crashes happen every day in our part of the country. Too often, people suffer serious bodily injuries in these accidents and lives are forever changed. The help of someone at the crash site may make the difference between life and death. Please be careful out there!
