Is it normal i'm afraid to help people?

86% Normal
6 Comments

I would love to help people I see stuck on the side of the road. I would love to help people in general. My problem is that given how quick some are to turn around and try to sue or file charges before setting up a lawsuit, I feel some reserve before taking action. Most of the time, I pass for fear of getting found liable because the other guy decided he was going to be a dick that day and make someone's day miserable.

For example: Driving down the interstate one day, I notice a guy fiddling underneath the hood of his car.
I think to ask him if he needed a jump, but since I don't know him, I can't be sure if he'll turn around and call the cops on me for messing with his property or harassing him. Or turn around and sue me later for some bullshit about how I inappropriately installed the jumper cables thus causing him to be out of a car.

I feel like such a scumbag for leaving him out there in the heat, but I can't really bring myself to take any action. Because as a student, I really don't have the money or time to jerk around in court.

Anyone else feel the same way? Any ideas on how to get over it and to cover myself? It disturbs me that I'm so jumpy about helping anyone I don't know.

Voting Results
86% Normal
Based on 21 votes (18 yes)
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Comments ( 6 )
  • donteatstuffoffthesidewalk
    9 years ago

    if someones gota weak battery and theys car wont start then a jump might help but it also might fry some lectronics

    if someones been drivin down the road and theys car dies suddenly then a jump aint gonna do a fuckin thang

    something else is wrong and chances is theys gittin a tow

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  • RoseIsabella
    9 years ago

    Maybe you're just not called to give back to others via helping stranded motorists. There are other ways to give back such as volunteering to help the homeless or animals in a shelter. You can even volunteer to help out a few hours at your local public library.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      9 years ago

      I'm not saying just on the highway, I'm saying in general. I feel like garbage for not knowing if I should help the guy who just fell, for the same reason. I mean, I got my red cross cert and I'm pretty sure I would jump at the chance to use it because - well, no-one besides the douchiest-of-douches would try and sue if I saved them.

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  • thegypsysailor
    9 years ago

    It is getting harder and harder for Americans to get work overseas because we have such a reputation for being very litigiousness. 30 years ago I could get a job as captain on almost any foreign vessel seeking a captain, because Americans were respected throughout the world as professional seamen. If you are a Yank overseas today, do not expect to be able to get a job.

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  • ~PhoenixAngel~
    7 years ago

    I'm afraid to help people sometimes also. I find this very normal especially if you have anxiety or get really shy easily. I'm always afraid I'll screw up helping people. So I find this to be quite normal. Though in most situations I'll still help and just do what I can.

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  • Miezekatz
    9 years ago

    Hääää? May be you should help people who really need you, elderly people or kids in trouble (look for organisations) or work for the ambulance, o.k.?

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