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Can I defend myself against my neighbor's accusations after helping their son?

Can I defend myself against my neighbor's accusations after helping their son?

Q: What should you do if you see an injured person lying on a road?

If you see an injured person lying on the road, first ensure your own safety. If it's safe, check if the person is responsive. Call 911 for emergency help immediately. If you are trained, provide basic first aid, but avoid moving the person unless there's a risk of further injury. Stay with them until professional help arrives.

Q: Who is at fault if a car hits a bicycle?

Determining fault when a car hits a bicycle depends on the circumstances of the incident. Factors include traffic laws, the behavior of both the driver and the cyclist, and whether either party was negligent. Generally, drivers must yield to cyclists, but each case is unique and may require legal evaluation.

Q: What happens if you accidentally hit someone on a bike with your car?

If you accidentally hit someone on a bike with your car, stop immediately and check on the cyclist. Call 911 for medical help if necessary. Document the scene and exchange information with the cyclist. You may be liable for damages, so it's advisable to contact your insurance company and possibly seek legal advice.

Full question:

I saw my neighbor’s son lying on the road after falling from his bike. He had hit his head and had sustained injuries on his head and other parts of the body. I am not in good terms with this neighbor. Nevertheless, in that situation I took their son to the hospital called my neighbor and left the place. Now my neighbor is threatening me saying that I caused this accident and silently left their son in the hospital. What defense can I claim in this situation?

Category: Helping People
Subcategory: Good Samaritan Laws
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Arkansas

Answer:

You may be protected under Arkansas's Good Samaritan law. This law states that anyone who provides emergency assistance in good faith at the scene of an accident cannot be held liable for civil damages, as long as their actions were not grossly negligent or willful misconduct. Since you acted to help your neighbor's son by taking him to the hospital, believing it was necessary for his safety, you can argue that you did so in good faith.

According to the law, a person who believes that someone's life or health is in danger and provides reasonable emergency assistance is not liable for any resulting damages, unless their actions were not in good faith or were grossly negligent (A.C.A. § 17-95-101).

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What should you do if you fall off your bike and hit your head?

If you fall off your bike and hit your head, it's important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Head injuries can be serious and may not show symptoms right away. If you're conscious, try to stay still and avoid moving your neck or back. If someone is with you, they should call for help. Document the incident if possible, and report it to authorities if needed.

What should you do if you see an injured person lying on a road?

What happens if you get hit by a car while riding a bike?

If you get hit by a car while riding a bike, you should seek medical attention right away, regardless of the severity of your injuries. Document the accident scene, gather witness information, and report the incident to the police. You may have a right to compensation for medical expenses and damages, depending on the circumstances of the accident.

What happens if a kid hits your car with a bike?

If a kid hits your car with a bike, check if the child is okay and call for medical assistance if needed. Document the incident by taking photos and gathering witness information. Depending on the situation, you may want to report the incident to the police. Liability can depend on various factors, including negligence and local laws.