Should I Help the Cyclist Who Crashed Into Me?

• Author: Cohen, Randy

I was struck by a bicyclist riding at high speed on the sidewalk. I wound up on my back, and the cyclist, also downed, was writhing in pain. Amazingly, I was unhurt, but because of my shock and anger, I got up indignantly and walked away. Later, I guestioned my behavior. What if the cyclist had really been hurt? Did his wrongful action warrant mine?

---Name Withheld, Los Anaeles

WHEN A QUESTION includes the phrase "writhing in pain," it may well imply an ethical duty or at least a call for ordinary compassion. Even if the cyclist acted thoughtlessly or broke the law, that doesn't place him beyond moral consideration. First respond to his writhing in pain, then sort...