A week ago today I was in an accident...I have 2 questions

[WillParkinson]

1) Would it be wrong of me to call the company the guy was working for to ask if he's OK?

2) Would it be wrong of me to take some treats to the fire station for the firemen who assisted?

[driver8]

1. I would say "No" to both questions...

I can't see anyone getting upset because you are being considerate.

I'll bet the firemen would love some treats!

[TorchTheWitch]

2. asking if the other person is ok could be construed as admitting guilt

I kid you not. I used to work in an auto insurance claims department, and believe it or not compassionate expressions like this are assumed to be because you feel guilty and are therefore admitting fault except for immediately following the accident (though not always). If you're concerned about the person's condition, try to discover that information in a round-about way that he/she won't know about and can't get back to either insurance company.

I don't see a anything wrong with bringing treats to the fire station, but they may not be allowed to accept something that appears that it could have been tampered with... in other words, it's probably a good idea to bring something store bought and in it's sealed original container.

[sarge43]

3. TorchtheWitch is no doubt right.

Your concern for the guy does you credit.

If not treats, certainly a thank you letter to the chief of the station. My husband has said that one of the downer things about being a paramedic or firefighter is they seldom found out what happened to the people they rescued -- no follow up. So a "I'm fine thanks to you" letter would be appreciated.

[TorchTheWitch]

4. same for police and nurses, too

They love to find out that their efforts produced good results, and you're right... sadly, they almost never find out. A personal visit especially would be uplifting for them... like hand delivering the card or treats or whatever. In jobs that are so filled with terrible tragedies it means so very much for these service people to be able to see with their owns eyes that their efforts paid off and are so appreciated.

[kimi]

9. Totally agree with this!

It can make a somewhat crappy day - which unfortunately happens a lot in emergency and trauma work - into a very uplifting and worthwhile day.

Please DO let these folks know, somehow, that you appreciated their efforts. Treats (properly secured of course), a letter, whatever. A note to to the local paper, as someone suggested, or to a supervisor, is a great idea! Trust me, it makes so much difference. And may go into a personnel file, so it may make a concrete difference in the future.

Thanks for wanting to do something. A lot of people don't think of it.

[Capn Sunshine]

8. I second that

We were once instructed by a lawyer regarding this issue as it related to loss and liability of our bank and officers. They mentioned several times do not express any regret or concern for the other parties in an accident as a jury and or the other insurance carrier might interpret that as an expression of guilt.

[dimbear]

5. Have somebody else take treats and not mention the accident.

That has no downside, and has an upside.

[mnhtnbb]

6. Write a letter to your local paper and give kudos to the unit which responded.

Also, write a letter to your Mayor and provide the same kudos to the station/unit which responded.
Send a copy to the station chief.

I think it's important for people to know the stories of people who are helped by first responders.
This is what local taxes are buying.

I have personal experience. Our house burned down 3 years ago, and if it hadn't been for the local fire department--assisted by units from two other counties--our entire house--and everything in it--would have gone up in flames and possibly the fire would have spread to other houses in our hillside, forested, and extremely dry from drought, neighborhood.

[LaurenG]

7. It seems like a nice gesture to me in both cases. nt

[Gormy Cuss]

11. It's really sad that one needs to worry about the lawyers though.

At least thanking the fire crew isn't an admission of guilt -- yet.

[applegrove]

10. Sounds like a plan.

[KurtNYC]

12. If you might be sued then the answer is "yes it would be wrong"

bc the actions could be construed as you feeling (admitting) guilt / at fault.

Otherwise: of course not.