Emergency Vehicle Accidents

While those who operate emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines and police cars must sometimes speed and engage in dangerous maneuvers in order to aid and protect us, they must still follow state and federal statutes and local/departmental regulations as they do so. Emergency vehicles are often not required to stop at all red lights, but their operators must take certain measures that minimize their potential to cause death, injury and property damage.

Many states, for instance, require emergency vehicles to exercise common, not just reasonable caution, unless the emergency they are responding to is verified, a siren is present, and a red light is visible from the front of the vehicle. Other statutes and regulations at various governmental levels may require that:

  • The driver carry an appropriate driver's license (usually at least a CDL)
  • The driver undergo drug and alcohol testing
  • The driver be properly trained
  • The driver understand the state laws and vehicle code exemptions for emergency vehicles
  • Standard operating procedures and guidelines be in place
  • The appropriate warning devices be used
  • Certain speed limitations be followed
  • The vehicle have adequate (in some cases privately owned vehicle) insurance

While certain situations pose complex dilemmas to those who operate emergency vehicles, they should not end up endangering the very people they are supposed to be helping. After all, it may be justified for a police car to speed through an intersection in order to ensure the capture of a murderer. But is the officer equally justified to potentially endanger others when chasing someone guilty of a misdemeanor? Does it make sense for an ambulance to injure someone while in the commission of saving someone who is injured?

For this reason, those who operate emergency vehicles typically receive extensive training and are required to follow guidelines and regulations that have been developed by the various agencies that are assigned to oversee and deal with such circumstances. Unfortunately, these guidelines and regulations are not always met.

Motor vehicle accident cases involving commercial vehicles tend to be complex. This complexity is further compounded when the commercial vehicle involved happens to be an emergency vehicle. If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed or injured in an accident involving an emergency vehicle, make sure that your legal representative has successful experience in these types of cases.

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