Because rapid emergency assistance is crucial after an accident, the standard emergency lights are there to help: as soon as an accident occurs and the pyrotechnical restraint systems are deployed (for example, airbags or belt tensioners), if the interior light automatic system is switched on, the interior lighting is activated. If the vehicle is equipped with the optional exterior light and sight package, the footwell lamps can also switch on after a collision.

Depending on the type and severity of an accident, various measures can be taken to prevent further damage being caused in the aftermath of an accident and assist with the task of rescuing the occupants: the engine can be turned off automatically and the fuel supply cut off. In order to prevent a follow-on accident, and to facilitate finding the accident vehicle, the hazard warning lights can be automatically activated.

Various precautions have been taken to assist the work of the rescue team too. For example, the door locking mechanism can be released automatically after an accident. Crash joints between the wings and the doors can speed up rescue work by allowing the latter to be opened more easily after a frontal collision. To complete its comprehensive safety philosophy, Mercedes-Benz has also published multilingual rescue guidelines (accessible worldwide on the internet) as a source of information for rescue services.