As a driver, what are my responsibilities when I see an accident where someone is hurt?

Question

(Both morally and legally). I live in the state of Utah, and am CPR certified (if that makes any difference). Sources and links are much appreciated! Thanks.

Answer 1

Morally, you are always required to provide medical help.

Legally, you MAY be required to provide medical help. This will depend on the laws of the state you are in and your level of training.

Also, depending on state laws, you may be required to report what you saw if you witnessed the accident happen.

Answer 2

1. Safely slow your vehicle to avoid being a part of the accident. Don't SLAM on the brakes if you really don't need to or the person behind you may hit you!

2. Pull safely off the road if you are staying on the scene. Activate your hazard flashers.

3. Try your best to observe your surroundings and the vehicles involved in the accident. You may be asked to recount what you saw as a "witness".

4. Make sure someone is calling for help. Call for help if you have access to a cell phone. Remember that calling 911 from a cell phone doesn't immediately connect you to a dispatcher. You may have to stay on the phone while they transfer you to the appropriate jurisdiction.

5. Render aid if you can. It's best if people that are involved in a major accident stay in their vehicles unless their life is in imminent danger (like from a fire.)

6. Stay until authorities arrive and give you permission to leave. (Like I said, even if you were not involved, they may want you to write down what you saw.)

http://highwaypatrol.utah.gov/uhp_faq.ht...

Answer 3

I am not sure about Utah.  In some states if you are a nurse or doctor you have to stop.  I don't think CPR certification would hold you to that level of professional obligation.  Morally I would say you should stop to tell the police what you saw if you witnessed the accident.  If you did not witness it just make sure 911 is on the way.  People are sue happy in this country so I would hesitate to touch someone that is injured since I am not a doctor or nurse.  I will leave that aspect to your judgement.

Answer 4

In most states, as far as I can tell including Utah, you do not HAVE to do anything. In most states that require a response, calling 911 is enough. Being CPR trained does not, by itself, change this.

Should you choose to get involved in an emergency voluntarily, you will be covered by the Good Samaritan Law . Utah's reads "[a] person who renders emergency care at or near the scene of, or during an emergency, gratuitously and in good faith, is not liable for any civil damages or penalties as a result of any act or omission by the person rendering the emergency care, unless the person is grossly negligent or caused the emergency. (Utah Code Ann. § 78-11-22)."

Contrary to what some have suggested. the Good Sam Laws WILL cover you if you break a rib, etc. and DO NOT obligate you to provide cares.

If you choose to get involved, just follow your training within reason.

Answer 5

I agree with the first answer. I am CPR certified and I am very hesitant to help anyone out. You try to do someting good (like save someone's life) but accidently break a rib. I would be crushed if I ever did something that heroic and then got sued. Morally, you should stop to make sure everything is fine...but legally it is not worth it to me.

That is just my opinion.

Answer 6

Good question . If you happen upon an accident scene, there is nothing in the UT driver handbook that says you HAVE to stop and render aid . The only times you should intervene are 1) when a vehicle is on fire (you still may not be able to do anything) and 2) if you see a child or an elder inside a parked vehicle on a warm day with the windows up and the engine off . Other than basic first aid treatment for bleeding, breathing and shock, there is not too much else you can or should do . In the isolated areas of the state, it will be your best judgment call.

Answer 7

If you witness the accident you are required to stay until a report has been filled out and your accounting given to an officer.If you are trained and Certified in CPR you already know if that person is conscious you MUST ask them if you can help them.Just because you are accredited does NOT obligate you to help.In your training it should have been explained,You are to assess the situation and OFFER help only if you feel you could really help.If you are unsure if you could improve anything about the situation don't do anything except give an accounting of what you saw. Some times the best we can do is keep the area safe,and make sure 911 is called.

Answer 8

Dear Sid Mari:

What you should do in a case like this is the following:

First, dial 911; call the police.

Then, try to help the hurt person as best as you can (ex. bandaging serious wounds, CPR, etc). BUT ONLY with experience. If you don't know how to do something, don't do it. Ask the person for pains in the neck, ribs, abdominal area, or anywhere where injuries and crucial.

When you are finished, ask the hurt person what happened.

Then move to the other person of the accident.

He/She may not be hurt, but check just in case. Ask them what happened. How did the accident occur? etc.

DON'T act like a police, and don't scare anybody.

By this time or earlier, the police may have arrived. Tell them the story from BOTH points of views, and describe the injuries, if any.

Then, move on. Don't annoy the police. They'll know what to do. Hang around ONLY if they ask for you, but other than that, leave and don't get too nosy.

Hope this helps out--

~~Good luck.

Rahoom

Answer 9

they have a law called the good samaratin law in which if you witness an accident then you HAVE to stop and render aid and call the ambulance other wise you run the risk of going to jail.

Answer 10

I am glad that someone posted links to the Utah law on this.

Your responsiblities vary madly, depending on where you are.  Where I live, in Canada, in my province you are not legally required to stop and help, but if you do, the Good Samaritan law covers you;  in the neighbouring province of Quebec, you must stop and render assistance, or verify that someone else competent has stopped and done so, and not stopping to help IS a civil offense!

Answer 11

You would get out fo your car go see if they need help, call the cops, and try to block the lane they;re in.   r****d moment.   =O

Answer 12

Legally I am not sure but go and see if the person is ok or needs help, call 911 too just to make sure you know it has been done.  My husband was recently a witness to a pretty major crash that involved a semi truck driver on a crowded freeway.  Not one person got out of their car to help my husband get the trapped driver out. It was sad to think that there were tons of people available to help and not one person stepped up.

Answer 13

You don't have any legal responsibility.  You may have a moral responsibility; do have a moral responsibility.

If you do CPR you are protected from liability based on the fact that a in danger is crying out for help.

For example if some doctor later said that the patient was injured by excessive pressure on the chest, or that you acted too slowly, or neglegently, you are not responsible ordinarily.