We’ve discussed what to do if you’re involved in an accident in Florida. The first thing is, of course, call 911 and render aid to others if you are able. Call your insurance company, cooperate with the authorities, call an accident attorney, and do not share information on social media. Click here to read our article from November 2016.
Recently there was a very disturbing story in the news about an auto accident in Pompano Beach that involved a car crashing into a tree. Allegedly the driver had a 6-year-old child in the back seat without a car seat, and after the accident she ran away, leaving the injured boy alone in the car. Channel 10’s story is here: Local10.com
No doubt the driver will face a variety of charges including failure to render aid. Chapter 316.062 of the Florida Statutes states, in part:
Duty to give information and render aid.—
(1) The driver of any vehicle involved in a crash resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to any vehicle or other property which is driven or attended by any person shall give his or her name, address, and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving, and shall upon request and if available exhibit his or her license or permit to drive, to any person injured in such crash or to the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle or other property damaged in the crash and shall give such information and, upon request, exhibit such license or permit to any police officer at the scene of the crash or who is investigating the crash and shall render to any person injured in the crash reasonable assistance, including the carrying, or the making of arrangements for the carrying, of such person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary, or if such carrying is requested by the injured person.
Now, if you are in an accident and someone is injured, you’r in the middle of nowhere with no access to a phone, and someone is hurt, perhaps bleeding, can you help and not worry about being sued? Probably:
768.13 Good Samaritan Act; immunity from civil liability.—
(1) This act shall be known and cited as the “Good Samaritan Act.”
(2)(a) Any person, including those licensed to practice medicine, who gratuitously and in good faith renders emergency care or treatment either in direct response to emergency situations related to and arising out of a public health emergency declared pursuant to s. 381.00315, a state of emergency which has been declared pursuant to s. 252.36 or at the scene of an emergency outside of a hospital, doctor’s office, or other place having proper medical equipment, without objection of the injured victim or victims thereof, shall not be held liable for any civil damages as a result of such care or treatment or as a result of any act or failure to act in providing or arranging further medical treatment where the person acts as an ordinary reasonably prudent person would have acted under the same or similar circumstances.
We are Florida accident attorneys, and we represent victims of serious crashes. We believe it is our responsibility to offer as much information and advice as we can to help reduce accidents and injuries. Please drive responsibly, never drink and drive and do not use your phone when driving. Help others in need whenever possible. If we all do this we will make Florida a better place to live, work, and drive for everyone.
If you would like to reach us please call 954-356-0006, and thank you.
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