It used to be that if you tried to help someone who subsequently died, you could be prosecuted for manslaughter. Giving CPR, pulling someone from a wreck, you could end up in court.
People began to ignore anyone in distress as they didn't want to go through the court process.
Then Good Samaritan laws were implemented, and it was easier to try to save someone's life without being jailed for it. These laws generally encourage bystanders to offer assistance to others and reduce their hesitation to act for fear of being sued should they fail. Good Samaritan laws provide limited immunity from being sued in specific circumstances. In many instances it applies only where help is being provided without the intention of reward or financial compensation.