Advice from an Accident Lawyer: What to do If You Were in an Accident with an Emergency Vehicle

Originally published: 1/23/2018

Updated: 8/20/2018

Car accidents are a common occurrence in El Paso, Texas, resulting in serious, disabling, and potentially fatal injuries. In the aftermath of a crash, the at-fault driver can be held responsible for any damages you suffer. But what happens when the auto accident involves an emergency vehicle, such as a police car, fire truck, or ambulance? Do you suddenly become responsible for the damages even if they weren’t entirely your fault?

While these drivers have special permissions to disregard traffic rules in the event of an emergency, they are still subject to the same laws when motor vehicle accidents and injuries occur.

Emergency Vehicle Accidents

According to the Intelligent Transport Society (ITS), car accidents involving emergency vehicles occur with the same regularity as other types of motor vehicle collisions. The difference is that when they do, these vehicles are likely to be involved in emergency operations.

When there is a threat of criminal activities or situations requiring an immediate response, emergency vehicles have the authority to run red lights and stop signs, weave in and out of traffic, drive in opposing lanes, and go significantly faster than the posted speed limits. Under normal circumstances, these are all common reckless driving behaviors that make injuries from car accidents more likely to occur. Additional issues that often factor into emergency vehicle accidents, according to ITS, include:

• Driver distraction: Even during non-emergency calls, drivers of emergency vehicles receive a steady flow of information and are in constant communication with dispatchers and other first responders. Information that makes these workers more effective has become more readily available as a result of in-vehicle technological advancements. These advancements have been able to provide drivers with important updates, such as changing traffic conditions, estimated arrival times, and other emergency situations that require assistance. Unfortunately, increased driver distraction is an unintended consequence.
• Driver stress levels: Emergency responders face both high levels of stress while working and potentially life-threatening and dangerous situations on a regular basis. Between long hours, split shifts, and spikes in adrenaline levels, fatigue and stress can combine to cause errors in judgment and make accidents more likely to occur.

Advice from a Texas Accident Lawyer: What to Do in the Event of an Accident

 In the event of a car accident involving an emergency vehicle in the state of Texas, it is important to follow advice from a specialized accident lawyer in Texas:

Remember, the same rules of the road apply as in other situations. Under the Texas Transportation Code, you are required to do the following:

• Stop immediately at the scene: Do not flee or assume both vehicles (and the passengers involved) are okay. If possible, pull your car or truck over to the side of the road to keep the flow of traffic moving.
• Notify law enforcement: Call 911 and report the accident.
• Exchange personal contact, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information: This is crucial, even if you believe that you, your vehicle, and your passengers are okay. Internal bleeding is a common injury associated with auto accidents, and the symptoms typically don’t surface for at least a few hours. Similarly, your car may have suffered “internal” damages initially unseen by the naked eye.
• Notify your insurer that an accident occurred: This final step is very important if injuries or auto damages do come to light and you wish to take legal action. By notifying your insurance agency that an accident occurred, you’ll have grounds to stand on if you eventually need to press charges or claim certain benefits.

If the other driver was in the midst of emergency operations, back up vehicles will likely be dispatched, so you don’t have to worry about impacting other people’s lives. While situations like this can be chaotic, be sure to make a point of getting the name of the emergency responder, the company or township they work for, and their vehicle number (which should be printed on the side of their car or truck).

If you were involved in an accident with an emergency vehicle, contact Robert Lovett, expert accident lawyer in El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico, as soon as possible to request a free consultation to discuss your options. We protect your rights while helping you get the compensation you are entitled.