If you were injured while acting as a Good Samaritan in Fremont, California, you can likely hold the person responsible for your injuries accountable for their negligence.
Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation if you were injured while helping someone else or acting as a Good Samaritan.
California’s Good Samaritan Law:
California’s Good Samaritan law encourages citizens to people in an emergency by protecting them from potential civil liability.
California Health and Safety Code § 1799.102 HSC states: “No person who in good faith, and not for compensation, renders emergency medical or nonmedical care at the scene of an emergency shall be liable for any civil damages resulting from any act or omission.”
This law is in place to help protect people from lawsuits. For example: Let’s say Bob sees a car on fire. Joe is stuck in the burning car. Bob pulls Joe out of the car but breaks Joe’s arm while removing him. Bob saves Joe’s life. Joe is jerk and wants to sue Bob. Bob is protected.
Do I Have to Render Aid if I Was Involved in the Crash?
California Vehicle Code § 20001 makes it a crime for people to leave the scene of any accident involving injury or death. Additionally, drivers must offer “reasonable assistance” to anyone injured in a crash, such as rendering aid, calling 911, etc.
Were You Injured as a Good Samaritan?
In 2023, a terrible accident occurred on Interstate 880 in Fremont. According to ABC7 News, a woman saw a crashed vehicle on the side of the Interstate around 2:30AM. She pulled over to assist. A truck crashed into her vehicle, and she was crushed between her vehicle and the vehicle she stopped to assist. Tragically, she died from her injuries.
The driver who her her vehicle would almost definitely be responsible. Unfortunately, that driver fled the scene. If caught, that driver is likely to face felony charges.
In this case, the woman’s family would be able to file a “Wrongful Death” claim. A wrongful death claim is brought by surviving family members on behalf of the deceased and provides some form of justice and monetary award for damages.
When a driver flees the scene, a claim may still be able to be filed with your own insurer if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Sometimes, other parties may be responsible as well.
Contact a Fremont Personal Injury Lawyer Today.
After any crash resulting in a major injury or a fatality, it is important to go over your options with an attorney who focuses on personal injury law. These consultations are free and the attorney can let you know what your legal options are.
Contact our Fremont Personal Injury Lawyer today to explore your legal options.