What is the appropriate action when encountering a badly injured, trapped motorist?

When encountering a badly injured, trapped motorist, the appropriate action is to call 911 for emergency assistance. This is critical because professional responders, including paramedics and firefighters, are specially trained to handle medical emergencies and extricate individuals trapped in vehicles safely. By contacting emergency services, you ensure that the individual receives the immediate medical attention they need.

Attempting to move the motorist yourself could potentially cause further injury, especially in cases of spinal injuries or other severe trauma. Waiting for other drivers to help may result in delays that could exacerbate the injured person's condition. Driving away not only fails to provide any assistance to the injured person but may also be seen as abandoning the scene of an accident, which could have legal implications. Therefore, prioritizing a call to 911 is the most responsible and effective action to take in such situations.