Likely, many California drivers have passed the site of a car crash and wondered about the condition of the people involved. Sometimes, first responders have not yet arrived, and it appears help is needed. However, many people will pass by such a scene, and knowing emergency services typically respond quickly to car accidents, assume they will arrive very soon. Some people, though, feel compelled to stop and offer help themselves, but this selfless decision could create another dangerous situation.
In a recent example, a man stopped at the scene of a car accident and died after he was struck by a passing vehicle, which then continued on its way. The incident happened on a highway in San Mateo very early on a Friday morning. According to the California Highway Patrol, three cars were involved in the initial accident.
The good Samaritan pulled his car over to the side of the road to investigate the crash, but after he exited his vehicle, he was struck by another car. Sadly, he died at the scene. Reportedly, one of the drivers involved in the first accident suffered major injuries; the other drivers were not hurt. Authorities have confirmed that neither drugs nor alcohol were factors in the first crash.
Car accidents like this one are especially difficult to comprehend, as a man died simply because he wished to offer aid to people in a crisis situation. Presumably, police are continuing to investigate the crash and are searching for the hit-and-run driver. If the driver who struck him is located and evidence indicates he or she was at fault, the victim’s family members have the right to pursue the matter further. They may consider consulting with a California personal injury attorney who can apprise them of their legal options, including the possibility of a wrongful death lawsuit.
