Getting What Is Rightfully Yours

There Are No Small Reasons Why Someone At Fault Can Escape Blame For A Tragic Car Accident

28 August 2019 by Penny Fisher

The Netflix series titled "13 Reasons Why" gives viewers much to ponder. Themes of being at fault for someone's death plays a large part in the narrative. While the main plot deals with suicide, a subplot involving a traffic accident serves as a cautionary warning to drivers. Ultimately, anyone negligent in a traffic accident might find themselves responsible for civil damages. Failing to take legally mandated steps after a traffic accident may cement liability for a wrongful death.

The Stop Sign Tragedy

In season one of "13 Reasons Why," a driver knocks over a stop sign and refuses to report the incident to the police. Soon after, a fatal car accident results. The negligence here is apparent. Someone didn't do what they should have done -- alert the police -- and a tragedy occurred. Negligence, however, need not require significant destruction of private property. Any level of negligence, be it deliberate or an act of omissions, could shift blame and responsibility to someone for another person's death.

The Car-Bump Scenario

When a driver crashes into a parked car, and the car's owner isn't present, leaving a note on the vehicle's windshield is standard practice. Doing so isn't just a nice gesture. The act helps the at-fault driver from facing hit-and-run charges. Ignoring responsibilities could lead to more than misdemeanor charges. To allow someone to drive a damaged vehicle, placing that person at risk unknowingly, creates a dangerous situation. How "small" the damage may be is irrelevant if a small dent led to steering problems causing an accident.

Contacting the Authorities

In the Netflix series, a failure to contact the police led to someone's death. Anyone unsure about how to handle a traffic incident that creates unsafe conditions could call the police's non-emergency number for clarification. The police may provide immediate advice about what to do or take over the situation themselves.

Understanding and Avoiding Liabilities

Proactive drivers wishing to avoid accidents and other calamities might take a defensive driving course. Besides hoping to prevent an accident, many enroll in these courses to avoid the legal issues associated with collisions. Anyone wishing to avoid legal woes should consider exploring all educational resources. Seminars about legal negligence and how to avoid being negligent do take place. Enrolling in a two-hour seminar could cut down the chances of being involved in a wrongful death suit. Most importantly, the newfound knowledge could save a life.

Contact a law firm, like Burnett & Williams PC, if you have further concerns.

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