subject: Duties of Motorists after a Chain Accident according to California Laws by:Mark Dacanay [print this page] In Los Angeles, chain accident laws are covered under the California State and it imposes a couple of duties to motorists especially if there are injuries or death involved.
Duty to Stop after a Chain Accident
One of the first duties imposed on motorists is to stop during an accident.
A person who flees a chain accident scene can be prosecuted and the punishment can be more severe if they are the liable party in the said accident.
If the vehicle is near an immediate danger, then the driver may move his car in an area within a safe distance from the accident.
It is also suggested that the driver turn on their hazard lights to warn incoming vehicles of the accident so they can take precautionary measures while approaching.
The motorist can only leave the scene after they are authorized by the attending police officer or it may be considered as a hit-and-run accident.
Duty upon Injury or Death
If the accident resulted in injury, the driver has a duty to provide reasonable assistance to the victims. Reasonable assistance can come in the form of:
Applying first aid to the victim
Arranging transportation for the victim going to a hospital or treatment facility
Looking for physicians or medical professionals, if any, within the vicinity to provide immediate care or treatment.
The driver also has a duty to leave the following details to the other drivers and the attending police officer:
Name
Current residence address
The names and addresses of the injured passengers, if any
The registration number of the vehicle
The name and current address of the owner of the vehicle, if the driver is not the owner
The drivers and injured passengers may be requested to present their driver's license by the attending police officer.
If the injured passenger does not have a driver's license present, another form of identification will be sufficient.
If the chain accident resulted in death, the driver would still need to provide the above information.
If there are no police officers in the vicinity to give the information, the driver should, without delay report the accident to the nearest office of the California Highway Patrol or a duly authorized police authority.
Duty to Report Accidents
The driver involved in a chain accident that resulted in injury or death has a duty to submit a written report of the accident to the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
If the accident happened within a city, the written report can be submitted to the California Highway patrol or the police department of the said city.
If the motorist is driving a common carrier vehicle like a taxi cab or a bus, he/she should also make a similar report that should be submitted on or before the 10th day of the month following the accident.
Conclusion
All motorists should remember that they have a duty to stop and help other people during a chain accident. Once the safety of everyone is checked, the proper authorities should be notified immediately.
