Car Accidents and North Carolina’s Good Samaritan Laws

North Carolina’s Good Samaritan laws for car accidents are designed to reduce hesitancy and expedite aid by legally protecting people who assist victims. The actual legislation is more complicated than that description, but grasping the basics of what this law allows and what it mandates can make a difference for car accident victims in Raleigh, North Carolina, or any of the surrounding cities.

Witnessing a car accident can be stressful and alarming, and assisting those involved can be even more so. It’s important to understand that if you wish to help the victims of the accident, you have some legal protections to do so.

The North Carolina Good Samaritan Law states that any person who renders first aid or emergency assistance at the scene of an accident to any person injured as a result of the accident cannot be liable in civil action for their acts or omissions unless there was wanton conduct or intentional wrongdoing.

In other words, people who arrive at an accident scene in North Carolina cannot be sued later for providing reasonable assistance. Encouraging people to help victims of motorcycle accidents or other crashes with severe injuries can make a positive impact on recovery.

It’s important to note that, unlike in Vermont and other states, the Good Samaritan Law in North Carolina does not mandate people to assist during an emergency or car crash—unless you caused the accident. Anyone who causes an accident in North Carolina that involves injuries is required to stop and remain on scene, but providing medical assistance is optional.

Whether you witnessed a collision, caused it, or came upon an accident with personal injuries, there are many ways to help beyond providing medical assistance, including:

• Observe safe driving rules: Pull off the road a few hundred feet from the crash and turn on your hazard lights to notify other drivers of the situation.
• Call 911: Take note of your exact location and provide that information to the dispatcher so emergency response can arrive as quickly as possible.
• Calm the victim down: Let them know you are there with them and will stay until emergency responders arrive.
• Provide necessities: Offer water or blankets to those awaiting medical attention.

Make sure your intentions to assist do not introduce new hazards or that you do not put yourself in harm’s way. Keep these two tips in mind when stopping at the scene of a car accident in Raleigh, North Carolina, or any locale with Good Samaritan laws in place:

• If you are unsure of the injuries sustained by the victim, leave them in their same position until emergency crews arrive (unless a greater imminent danger exists).
• Stay out of the roadway/highway lanes if possible and keep a lookout for any other possible hazards, such as fuel leaks, glass, and debris.

If you have been involved in or witnessed a car accident and would like a free consultation, contact Miller Law Group.