Final answer:
The basic steps to take at any accident scene include ensuring safety, assessing the situation, providing assistance, and calling for emergency services. Taking pictures for social media, immediately contacting a lawyer, or leaving the scene are not suitable first actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic steps to take at any accident scene are assessing the situation, calling for help, and exchanging information. It is important to first ensure your own safety without rushing toward the accident recklessly. If you are the only witness to a bad car accident, like the scenario described where you might be on your way to an appointment, ethics would suggest that your duty to help those injured may outweigh other commitments, according to philosophical considerations by William David Ross, for instance. After ensuring safety, assess the situation for immediate dangers, check on the well-being of any individuals involved, and provide reasonable assistance. Calling emergency services is crucial as they are trained to handle such situations professionally. Exchanging information pertains to situations where you are directly involved in the accident. In contrast, never take pictures for social media as your first instinct, call a lawyer immediately, or leave the scene, especially if you are involved or if there are injuries.