Final answer:
Whether you can respond to an incident after a minor accident depends on the accident's impact on your ability to assist, the presence of help, and ethical considerations of 'prima facie duty'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Responding to an incident after experiencing a minor accident depends on various factors such as the severity of the accident, the presence of other witnesses, and one's ability to provide assistance. In ethical terms, philosopher William David Ross suggests that one might consider the 'prima facie duty' to help those in need as outweighing other obligations, like being on time for an appointment.
However, situations differ, and if the minor accident renders one incapable of effectively helping or if their involvement could escalate the situation, it may be prudent to seek other forms of help. It's also important to evaluate the scenario realistically, acknowledging that damage may seem minimal but still merit attention, as not all injuries or impacts are immediately apparent. In the end, the decision should be guided by assessing the potential for injury, the need for immediate help, and one's capacity to assist without further incident.