Question from a reader:
Recently, there was someone wandering around my car, and I was curious about what they were doing, so I approached them. Suddenly, that person ran away. Surprised, I chased after them, only to be punched and kicked a few hundred meters away. When I tried to get a medical report to handle it as an assault case,
the other person claimed they were injured instead, and I ended up being treated as a suspect. Legally, I did not lay a hand on them, so I cannot understand why this is happening. Is this really just a case of being wronged?

Legal Perspective When Involved in an Assault Incident

Recently, I received a very interesting question from a reader. They approached someone who was acting suspiciously around their car and subsequently found themselves in an unexpected situation. Such circumstances can happen to anyone, and it is crucial to think about how to deal with them. Here, I will examine this case from a legal perspective and explain how to respond.

Organizing the Details of the Case

First, let’s clarify the situation. You approached a suspicious person nearby, and when they suddenly ran away, you were surprised and chased after them. After catching up, you were punched and kicked. In this case, you are indeed a victim of an attack, but because the other party claims they were injured, you are also being treated as a suspect.

Approach from a Legal Perspective

Legally, if you did not lay a hand on the other person, you should not be considered the perpetrator. However, depending on the circumstances, the other party’s claims may be accepted under the guise of self-defense. Self-defense is an act to prevent unlawful attacks against oneself or others. The key points here are “necessity” and “proportionality.” In other words, how much action was necessary to protect yourself, and was that action proportional? For example, if you chased them down and attacked them excessively, there is a possibility that you could be seen as the perpetrator.

Response When You Are Injured

In such cases, your health should be your top priority. If you are involved in an assault incident, it is crucial to visit a medical facility immediately and obtain a medical report. This will serve as vital evidence in any future legal proceedings. The medical report will detail the extent of your injuries and the treatment received, so make sure to obtain it. Next, it is essential to report the incident to the police. At this time, you should calmly explain the situation to ensure your account is accurately conveyed. Even if the other party tries to file a complaint against you, having witnesses who can testify that you are the victim will be beneficial.

The Importance of Evidence Collection

Without evidence, your claims may not be believed. In some cases, bystanders may support you and provide testimony. For instance, if someone saw the other party fleeing or witnessed you chasing them, their testimony would be very valuable. Additionally, footage from surveillance cameras at the location of the incident can serve as crucial evidence, so consider requesting the police to check that footage.

Consulting a Legal Expert

As you can see, many procedures are required when you are involved in an incident. Particularly when the other party makes counterclaims, it can be challenging to handle the situation alone. In such cases, I recommend consulting a legal expert—a lawyer. They are professionals in the law and can provide you with advice to protect yourself. By consulting a lawyer, you should receive specific guidance on what you need to do to protect your rights and how to act. Of course, there may be legal fees involved, but the value you gain will likely exceed those costs.

In Conclusion

When faced with such situations, feelings of anxiety, fear, and above all, the question “Is this really just a case of being wronged?” can arise. Indeed, many may feel that an unreasonable situation has occurred. However, the law is there to protect you. By gathering solid evidence, consulting experts, and following proper procedures, you can safeguard yourself. Life is full of unpredictable events, but it is essential to understand your rights and respond calmly in such situations. I hope this blog helps you in resolving your issues, even if just a little.