Accident Information

Have you ever witnessed a road accident but whisked pass it, not helping the injured accident victim. Eventually, feeling guilty thinking if the victim is still alive or dead.

Following information might help you change your insensitivity to being a more responsible citizen:

1. There is some S.C. Judgment on "Right to Emergency Care," (I could not find the judgment online). Purportedly, as per this judgment your responsibility ends as soon as you leave the injured victim on the door step of the hospital. So, impliedly there will be no forced police inquiries against you and it becomes the responsibility of the hospital to conduct the police inquiry. Also surprisingly, this Judgment has changed my age-old "filmy" view that before the police formalities are finished first-aid is provided to the patient in the hospital.

(From a forwarded email) "The Supreme Court in a judgement on Right to Emergency Care, case no Appeal (civil) 919 of 2007 of 23 Feb 2007, has ruled that all injured persons especially in the case of road traffic accidents, assaults, etc., when brought to a hospital or medical centre, have to be offered first aid, stabilized and shifted to a higher centre / government centre if required. It is only after this that the hospital can demand payment or complete police formalities.

In case you are a bystander and wish to help someone in an accident, please go ahead and do so. Your responsibility ends as soon as you leave the person at the hospital. The hospital bears the responsibility of informing the police, providing first aid, etc.

Please do inform your family and friends about these basic rights so that we all know what to expect and what to do in the hour of need."

2. Further, there is a Bill which if enacted as law will make it mandatory for Hospitals/Doctors to treat accident victims immediately.

My only concern in our civilized society is Mob Fury.... When one thinks of helping an accident victim, often the mob doesn't think rationally and is prejudiced against the one who owns the bigger vehicle. But if you think you can handle a mob instead of living in guilt then please reach out and help as much as you can in such a situation because you never know when you are on the other side of the road.