Reader Question
Hi Austin,
I read your article about what to do if you are in a car accident. In December 2010 I was hit by a car as a pedestrian going 50 miles an hour. It started with life support and now a year and a half later am fortunate enough to be walking with just a cane. I was initially rear-ended by another car. It was raining cats and dogs and very very dark outside.
The lady who hit me did not get out of her car to come to me, so I went to her. She had hit me so hard that her door was jammed close. As I turned to go back to my car I was hit by the other car, which 50 miles/hr was the speed limit. My sister, who is a paralegal, told me that I should never get out of any car when there is a car accident, no matter how small it is.
Call the police first, wait for them to arrive to stabilize the traffic situation and then when they say so, get out of the car. Is this true? It is obvious she is talking about my situation and if I had followed that rule, I would have never been struck by the other car. I just want to get your take on this. I am hoping that this does not take up to much of your time.
Thank you for reading my email, and taking the time to respond.
Hi There
Man, so sorry to hear about your accident, how fortunate you are starting to recover, my prayers go out to you.I am not if there really is a “correct” answer here.
About 20 years ago I was in a small accident on a dark unlit county road. I was unable to move either vehicle so we left them both in the street under the traffic light and stood well away from them until help arrived.
Another vehicle came speeding down the road and plowed into my vehicle at full speed. I might had been killed or seriously injured had I been inside the vehicle. I was always told to get out and get away from the vehicle if you are able. It paid off in my situation.
Blessings
Austin Davis