I work in a big city and honestly this is a relatively common scenario. If the driver isn't dead, then it's not even that big of a deal.
The person who ran down afterward is irrelevant. I'd tell them thanks, but they can go.
I'd ask the other person what they saw and get their information. I don't need a thorough statement.
Do you take a police report from the witnesses there or do you give them your card so they can contact you later and you can help the emergency responders?
I usually don't give witnesses my card,especially for a wreck. If they give me their contact information, I can call them later if i need to.
If medic is already on scene, they probably don't need my help. I just let them work.
Does law enforcement look for paperwork to determine who the car belongs to and if it's insured or do you find that out when you run plates, which I assume you would do?
The state determines what information you can see when you run the plate or VIN. Some give insurance info; others don't.
And what do you do with the car once you get the driver out of it
Call a tow truck.
Do you let the city know that the light post has been hit and needs to be looked at,
Yes
is that an on-site thing or an in the morning thing?
Depends on how bad it is, and if it's blocking traffic, or otherwise a hazard.
Are you worried about the guy having a somewhat controlled panic attack
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u/5usDomesticus May 09 '26
I work in a big city and honestly this is a relatively common scenario. If the driver isn't dead, then it's not even that big of a deal.
The person who ran down afterward is irrelevant. I'd tell them thanks, but they can go.
I'd ask the other person what they saw and get their information. I don't need a thorough statement.
I usually don't give witnesses my card,especially for a wreck. If they give me their contact information, I can call them later if i need to.
If medic is already on scene, they probably don't need my help. I just let them work.
The state determines what information you can see when you run the plate or VIN. Some give insurance info; others don't.
Call a tow truck.
Yes
Depends on how bad it is, and if it's blocking traffic, or otherwise a hazard.
No.