Accidents involving ambulances and other emergency vehicles are uniquely complex. While these vehicles perform essential emergency medical services, their high-speed responses and frequent stops can result in accidents that leave victims with significant injuries, medical expenses, and legal uncertainties.
Emergency responders deal with complicated situations, but what happens if an ambulance hits a police car or any other car in the traffic?
If you are involved in such an incident, understanding your rights, the legal implications, and the steps to take is crucial for protecting yourself and seeking fair compensation.
If you’re wondering what happens if an ambulance and after that, we’ll answer all your questions. Let’s begin with the basiccs before moving forward.
Understanding Ambulance Accidents: Accidents Involving Emergency Vehicles
How Often Do Crashes Involving Emergency Vehicles Occur?
Crashes involving ambulances or other emergency vehicle are more common than many realize. Each year, approximately 6,500 ambulance-related accidents occur in the United States. These incidents place both ambulance drivers and other motorists at a higher risk of being involved in a vehicle accident. Studies reveal that 93% of accidents involving ambulances or fire trucks are due to operator error.
Alarmingly, nearly 40 deaths occurred because of ambulances during active emergency transports, where the urgency of the situation can lead to rushed or hazardous driving decisions. Most of these accidents lead to lawsuits with personal injury lawyers, forcing victims to seek legal representation.
Ambulances, with their need to navigate congested roads and make frequent stops, are significantly more likely to be involved in accidents compared to other first responders, such as police cars or fire trucks.
Since the personal injury law might seem a bit complicate, we recommend learning about it as soon as you seek medical attention.
Common Causes of Ambulance Accidents
The accidents involving ambulances often lead to head injuries, bodily harm and several complications which make it harder while determining liability. A fire truck or an ambulance involved in such incidents causes more damage than you may think. But why does this happen?
There are several common causes of accidents involving ambulances, many of which stem from the unique challenges faced by emergency vehicle drivers:
1. Failure to Yield:
Ambulance drivers or other road users may fail to yield appropriately, leading to dangerous collisions. The emergency responder may not take the decision timely, slamming into the other vehicles around.
2. Speeding:
Emergency situations often require high-speed responses, increasing the risk of losing control or causing accidents.
3. Driver Fatigue:
Ambulance operators frequently work long hours under high stress, which can impair judgment and reaction time.
4. Distracted Driving:
Drivers may be distracted by navigation systems, communication devices, or emergency calls, diverting their focus from the road.
5. Inexperienced Drivers:
Inadequate training or lack of experience can hinder a driver’s ability to handle high-pressure situations safely.
What Are Your Rights in an Accident Involving an Emergency Vehicle?
Accidents involving ambulances come with unique legal considerations. However, victims still have rights to ensure their safety and protection.
First, motorists have a right to yield, meaning they are required by law in most jurisdictions to give way to emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights and sounding sirens. However, this obligation does not absolve emergency drivers of their responsibility to drive safely.
Second, victims have the right to safety. While yielding to emergency vehicles is essential, you are not expected to endanger yourself or others in doing so.
Third, if you are involved in an accident with an ambulance, you have the right to legal representation. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and protect your interests.
Finally, you may have the right to compensation. If the accident resulted from negligence by the ambulance operator or service, you might be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Move-Over Laws and Accident Prevention
Understanding Move-Over Laws
Move-over laws are designed to enhance public safety by protecting both emergency personnel and other motorists. These laws require drivers to slow down or change lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles or to yield when ambulances and fire trucks are responding to emergencies with red lights and sirens.
Failing to comply with move-over laws can have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and civil liability if an accident occurs. Following these laws not only helps prevent accidents but also ensures compliance with state regulations.
If you are involved in an accident, keeping careful documentation can help demonstrate whether you or the ambulance driver followed these safety protocols.
Determining Fault and Liability: Legal Actions If an Ambulance Hits You
Determining Fault in a Crash With an Ambulance
Determining fault in an accident involving an ambulance requires a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Emergency drivers are held to a higher standard of care because their actions impact public safety.
In such cases, negligence may involve reckless driving, speeding, or failing to follow traffic laws. To prove negligence, evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and video footage may be required. These elements help establish whether the ambulance driver acted responsibly or caused the accident through error.
Who’s Responsible for Ambulance Accidents?
Liability in ambulance accidents can be complex and may involve multiple parties:
1. The Ambulance Driver:
If the driver’s negligence caused the crash, they could be held accountable.
2. The Employer
If inadequate training, supervision, or vehicle maintenance contributed to the accident, the ambulance service or government entity employing the driver might share liability.
3. Third Parties
In some cases, other motorists or equipment manufacturers may also be held responsible for their role in causing the crash.
Seeking Compensation and Medical Attention
What Damages Could Be Covered After an Accident Involving an Emergency Vehicle?
Victims of ambulance accidents may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Covering immediate treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: Compensating for time missed from work due to injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Addressing psychological trauma caused by the accident.
If the accident involves a government entity, compensation may be capped at certain amounts, such as $700,000, depending on state laws. An experienced lawyer can help you determine the exact damages recoverable in your case.
The Importance of Medical Attention After a Collision
After a collision with an ambulance, seeking medical attention is critical, even if you feel uninjured. Some injuries, such as internal injuries or concussions, may not be immediately apparent but can have serious consequences if untreated. Additionally, medical records serve as vital evidence when filing insurance claims or lawsuits, strengthening your case for compensation.
Legal Representation and Next Steps
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer on Your Side
Navigating the legal implications of an ambulance accident can be overwhelming, especially when government entities or large organizations are involved. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer ensures your rights are protected and increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation.
A lawyer can help you gather evidence, assess liability, and negotiate with the insurance provider on your behalf. They can also represent you in court if necessary, advocating for the best possible outcome.
How an Attorney Can Help You in an Ambulance Accident Case
An experienced attorney can provide critical guidance throughout the legal process. They can help you understand your rights, investigate the accident, and determine liability. By negotiating with insurance companies and ensuring your case is presented effectively, an attorney can maximize your compensation and reduce the stress of dealing with the aftermath of the accident.
What to Do Immediately After the Accident
After an accident involving an ambulance, staying calm and following the appropriate steps is essential. First, ensure your safety and seek medical assistance if needed. Document the scene thoroughly, taking photographs of the vehicle involved, damage, and road conditions. Collect witness statements and exchange information with the ambulance crew if possible.
Contact your insurance company to report the incident, providing factual details without admitting fault. Finally, consult a qualified personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options and ensure your rights are protected.
Wrapping It Up
Accidents involving ambulances or other emergency vehicles present unique challenges due to the responsibilities and privileges associated with emergency services. While these vehicles perform critical functions, their operators are not exempt from accountability, particularly when negligence leads to harm.
Contact Bourassa Law Group Today
If an ambulance hits your vehicle, understanding your rights, gathering evidence, and seeking legal representation are vital steps in pursuing fair compensation. With the support of an experienced attorney at Bourassa Law Group you can navigate the complexities of your case and work toward a just resolution.
Contact a trusted personal injury lawyer at Bourassa Law Group today to explore your options and protect your rights.
1-800-870-8910