When you’re the shotgun rider, you’re more than just a passenger. In the aftermath of a car accident, you can play a critical role in ensuring safety, assisting the driver, and helping manage the situation effectively. A calm and responsible passenger can make a huge difference in protecting everyone’s well-being and preserving important details for future claims.

Here are five essential duties every shotgun rider should take on after an accident in California.

1. Check on Everyone

Your first priority is safety. Immediately check on the driver and other passengers to make sure they are okay. If necessary, help people carefully exit the vehicle especially if there’s a risk of fire, fuel leaks, or heavy traffic nearby.

• Move everyone to a safe spot away from the roadway.
• Turn on hazard lights and, if available, set out flares or warning triangles to alert oncoming drivers.
• Stay alert for additional dangers, particularly at night or in poor weather.

2. Call Emergency Services

Drivers are often too shaken to make calls right away. As the shotgun rider, be ready to dial 911. Provide clear information such as:

• Your exact location (use nearby landmarks or GPS if possible)
• The number of people involved
• Whether anyone is injured
• Any hazards like leaking fuel, blocked lanes, or downed powerlines

After making the call, stay with the driver and passengers to reassure them that help is on the way. Your calm presence can reduce stress in a chaotic moment.

3. Document the Scene

Accurate documentation can make a big difference in an insurance claim or legal case. Use your phone to take photos and videos of:

• Vehicle positions and damage
• Skid marks, road conditions, and nearby traffic signs
• License plates and vehicle makes/models
• Visible injuries to passengers
• Weather and lighting conditions at the time of the crash

You should also jot down your observations of what happened before and during the accident. This can be critical if the driver’s memory is clouded by shock.

4. Gather Key Information

If the driver is unable to, step in to collect details from the other party involved:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver’s license number and issuing state
• Insurance provider and policy number
• License plate number and vehicle details

Keep the conversation calm and polite. Avoid admitting fault or making accusations your goal is simply to collect factual information for insurance and law enforcement.

5. Provide Emotional Support

Car accidents are stressful and often traumatic. One of the most valuable things you can do as a shotgun rider is provide emotional reassurance.

• Encourage the driver to take slow breaths and stay calm
• Offer comfort to passengers who may be shaken or in pain
• Remind everyone that help is coming and the next steps are being handled

Even after the accident, check in on the driver. Fear, anxiety, and guilt can linger for days or weeks after a crash, and your support can make recovery easier.

After the Accident: Call Hillstone Law

Even when you do everything right, the aftermath of an accident can still be overwhelming. Injuries, insurance battles, and financial stress often follow. That’s where Hillstone Law steps in.

Our experienced California personal injury attorneys can help you:

• Navigate the insurance claims process
• Recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage
• Handle negotiations so you don’t have to face insurance companies alone
• Provide compassionate, client-focused representation every step of the way