There was a guy behind me on the highway and traffic was moving pretty slowly because it was rush hour. He got in the emergency lane and started speeding his *** off looking for a place to get back over. Unfortunately for him his car met a giant orange road construction sign and despite him slamming the brakes he hit it at probably about 20 miles an hour.
As he did this traffic started moving again, I passed his wrecked car ) , laughed to myself at his plight and kept going (along with everyone else behind and in front of me, to my knowledge. He wasn't signaling for anyone to help him he was just looking really pissed off.
Later I remembered that episode of Seinfeld where they all goto jail because of the good samaritan laws. Was leaving him there and not stopping illegal?
2006-07-23 07:14:56 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Stopping at an accident scene in heavy traffic is a pretty good way of getting yourself killed. Use a cell phone and let the professionals take care of it.
Help on a lonely road is something else. You might be the only one who can save a life. Be sure that the "wreck" isn't a set-up by somebody that wants to rob you, or worse. Here again, a cell phone (used from a safe vantage point) is your best bet, and a strong flashlight and handgun are next best (if you are qualified). Not even the professionals go in before calling for backup.
2006-07-23 07:27:10 · answer #1 · answered by senior citizen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That Seinfeld episode was just a funny show - not true at all of course.
The California DMV handbook does say that if your the first person to pass by the scene of an accident, you must stop and ask if they need help. But that's only if your on a quiet road with not many cars - and there is almost no way of enforcing this rule. But even if you get caught - I think you just get a ticket or warning, obviously not anything big like jail.
2006-07-23 07:21:28 · answer #2 · answered by timmytude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good Samaritan laws are designed to protect people who try to help. For example, if you are not breathing and I give mouth to mouth, you can't sue me for not being an doctor. If you are not involved in the accident you are not required to stop. If everyone stopped, there would be major traffic jams. If you are a witness, you can always make a statement to to police later.
2006-07-23 08:07:05 · answer #3 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, think about what would if everyone stopped to help. Traffic would be backed up for miles, and if he did need help the ambulance wouldn't be able to get to him. The people who are there when it happens should stop to make sure he's okay, but if you can see that he's walking around looking pissed off, he's okay so you should just keep going.
2006-07-23 07:20:59 · answer #4 · answered by Tim 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It varies by jurisdiction and circumstances but generally, no, you are not required to stop. In some areas individuals with special training such s paramedics, nurses, or doctors may be required to stop if the need for imminent medical attention is necessary. However, for the average person there is no duty to assist.
2006-07-23 07:33:02 · answer #5 · answered by Wayne W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in missouri, it isn't illegal to not stop if you had nothing to do with the wreck. in fact, it's a good idea to not be in the way. If they need witnesses, they usually ask in the local paper or the tv stations. This does sound like one of those things that vary from state to state, though.
2006-07-23 07:20:24 · answer #6 · answered by eydieville 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In one class I took, my law book said yes, it is illegal. Citizens are basically required to stop and render aid...but it could depend on the situation and could vary among states.
2006-07-23 07:22:28 · answer #7 · answered by James P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is actually kind of a scary thought...
what if that happens at night or in some sort of an isolated area ... i know i am not going to stop to help someone in a situation like that and that is that.... i will look for a phone and call for help but i am not stopping, sorry....
2006-07-23 16:20:54 · answer #8 · answered by KAREN 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no longer each and every of the non-electorate dedicate crimes which incorporates DUI , come on now fairly?? seem what human beings themselves are doing !!! They do worse issues , now i comprehend ingesting and using is a real poor aspect , yet declaring that all and sundry the extraterrestrial beings are undesirable!!!! No please end actual there , because only u.s. has more effective non human beings than really human beings !! R.I.P contemporary u.s. !
2016-11-25 20:01:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think that individual states probably have different laws on this subject. But I wouldn't think that you would be required to stop if you weren't involved.
2006-07-23 07:19:18 · answer #10 · answered by luckyirishgirl2004 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋