Quote:
Originally Posted by PMok
Quote:
Originally Posted by overlookedx
If you record a fender bender on a dash cam are you obliged to pull over with the people who got into the accident and let them know?
Saw one on my way home tonight but I figured it was a cut and dry accident, person didn't stop in time and fault is pretty obvious. Not sure if I could help at all.
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Yeah there is no obligation to stop and let them know... but if you do stop and disclose to them that your cam may have recorded the accident, that opens you up to being possibly called as a witness, or being subpoena'd for the evidence if the case ever went to court. Obviously if either party had a lawyer, that lawyer would want to see the evidence, and therefore call on you to provide it. But if you never stopped and let them know, then they of course would never know of its existence and not be able to do anything about it. Not saying that you shouldn't help anyone out, but just know what it may get you into.
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This actually happened to me within a week of getting my dashcam. I was driving on 101 and witnessed a hit and run in front of me. The victim tried to get the "runner" to pull over, but gave up after a mile or so. I was following behind and pulled over along with the victim. I didn't stick around for the CHP to show up, but gave the driver my information. Later that day, a CHP officer contacted me for a statement, and I sent him the video.
I thought it was over, but more than 6 months later, the lawyer of the "runner" called me out of the blue and started asking all these questions, including why I had a dashcam (?? I replied with "why not?"). Apparently, they were denying responsibility and the case was going to trial. Luckily for me, I never heard from them again after that phone call.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsxD1YgwIAU"]July 6, 2013 Accident on 101N - YouTube[/ame]