When a pedestrian is struck by a car, the chances are pretty good that the pedestrian will suffer from an injury. In some cases, the injuries you suffer might be so serious that you need help right away. While many people will call emergency services for help, people who are nearby might be able to render aid faster. There are specific laws that protect people who opt to help those who need medical assistance.

On behalf of Joseph Caprara of CBLAW posted in Pedestrian Accidents on Thursday, July 9, 2015.

When a pedestrian is struck by a car, the chances are pretty good that the pedestrian will suffer from an injury. In some cases, the injuries you suffer might be so serious that you need help right away. While many people will call emergency services for help, people who are nearby might be able to render aid faster. There are specific laws that protect people who opt to help those who need medical assistance.

In Ontario, a good Samaritan has some protections that enable him or her to make reasonable decisions about helping a person having a medical crisis. It is vital that the good Samaritan uses reasonable judgement when trying to decide how to help a person. For example, if you break a person’s rib while trying to do CPR, you likely won’t be held liable for that broken rib. If, however, you decide to do impromptu surgery on someone on the side of the road, chances are good that you might face issues because of that decision.

It is interesting to note that if you are involved in an accident and need medical care, bystanders might actually be held grossly negligent if they don’t help you. That brings up an important point for anyone who sees someone in need of medical aid. If you can help without causing another person injuries, you would have some basic protections regarding the help you render to the person.

If you were aided by a good Samaritan who caused you undue injuries by using unreasonable means, you might opt to explore your options for seeking compensation. Learning how the good Samaritan laws might impact your case can help you decide what you want to do.

Source: FindLaw Canada, “What are Good Samaritan laws?,” accessed July 09, 2015