I was just a witness to a car accident, do I have to stop

If you witness a car accident, you are under no obligation to stop. In California, even if you saw that people were seriously injured from the crash, you have no obligation to stop and render aid to the people who were injured. You can just continue driving, leave the scene of the crash, and go about your way.

The question of whether you should stop or not is up to you. Witnesses to car accidents do often stop to help render aid or even offer themselves as witnesses to testify who is at fault. Unfortunately, most car accidents occur without anybody stepping forward as a witness. When people do not make themselves available as a witness, it can make it difficult for the innocent party to prove that the other party is liable.

What is the Car Accident Witness Responsibility?

Witnesses to car accidents are very important to help prove who is at fault. Someone’s case may very well rely on it. Car accidents are very dangerous and the injured party deserves to be made financially whole from the other party’s car insurance. If the injured victim does not have enough evidence to prove the other party’s at fault, then the injured victim will not be able to recover compensation.

If You Witness a Car Accident Do You Have to Go to Court?

Personal injury cases rarely go to trial. However, if an auto accident case does go to trial and you witnessed the accident, an attorney may contact you to provide testimony before a judge and jury. On the stand, the plaintiff’s attorney and the defendant’s attorney will ask you several questions regarding what you witnessed. As a witness on the stand, your responsibility is to answer each question truthfully.

Is it Illegal to Leave the Scene of An Accident if You Are a Witness?

The state of California does not legally require individuals to stop if they witnessed a motor vehicle collision. It’s your right to choose to pull over and see if you can offer assistance or continue on your way. This also applies to hit and run automobile accidents.

What to Do If You Witness a Minor Car Accident

If you witnessed an auto accident, you do not have to pull over and offer your contact information or speak to the police about what you witnessed. However, if you do decide to stop, you can provide your contact information to both drivers involved and speak with a police officer, if law enforcement is contacted.

Contact Us Today

If you were injured in an auto accident, due to the negligence of another driver, contact a car accident lawyer at Lem Garcia Law today. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and can help you learn about your legal options and rights. Contact us today to learn more.