Collisions with emergency vehicles can be confusing, stressful, and even frightening. If an ambulance hits your car, you might be left wondering: Who is responsible? Can I get compensation? What steps should I take right away?
Ambulances play a critical role in saving lives. They are allowed to speed, go through red lights, and sometimes break traffic rules when responding to emergencies. But these privileges don’t mean they are always free from responsibility. Just like any other driver, an ambulance driver must act with reasonable care.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know if you are ever in this situation—covering safety steps, insurance, liability, legal rights, and how to protect yourself after the accident.
Understanding Ambulance Accident Liability
Ambulances are considered emergency vehicles, and they hold special legal privileges. For example, they can legally drive faster than the speed limit or run red lights when responding to a call. However, these privileges are not unlimited.
An ambulance driver can still be held liable if:
- They were speeding without sirens or flashing lights.
- They ran a red light without ensuring the intersection was clear.
- They were distracted or reckless.
- They violated other traffic laws unnecessarily.
The big question after any accident is fault. If the ambulance driver followed all emergency protocols and you failed to yield, you might be held responsible. But if the driver was negligent, you may have the right to file a claim for damages.
First Steps to Take After an Ambulance Accident
Being in a crash is overwhelming, but acting quickly can protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do immediately:
1. Ensure Safety and Medical Attention
- Check yourself and passengers for injuries.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Even if an ambulance is already present, additional responders may be needed.
- If it’s safe, move your vehicle out of traffic lanes to avoid further collisions.
- Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
2. Exchange Information
- Get the ambulance driver’s name, badge or ID number, and employer information.
- Note the ambulance’s license plate and vehicle number.
- Exchange insurance details if possible.
3. Document the Scene
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and your injuries.
- Write down what happened while it’s still fresh in your memory.
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact information.
4. Notify the Police
- Make sure a police report is filed. This is crucial for insurance and legal purposes.
- Request a copy of the police report once it’s available.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
- Report the accident as soon as possible.
- Share all the details and evidence you collected.
- Be clear that an ambulance was involved, as this may affect the claims process.
How to Avoid Accidents With Emergency Vehicles
Prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of a crash. To reduce the risk of colliding with an ambulance or other emergency vehicles, remember these key tips:
- Stay alert – Keep distractions like phones or loud music away while driving. Always check mirrors and listen for sirens.
- Yield the right of way – If you see flashing lights or hear sirens, pull over safely to the right and stop until the ambulance passes.
- Follow traffic laws – Never run red lights or block intersections, even if you see an emergency vehicle coming.
- Do not tailgate – Following too closely behind an ambulance is dangerous and illegal.
- Do not block access – Avoid blocking driveways, intersections, or emergency access points.
- Use signals properly – Indicate your movements with turn signals so other drivers and emergency responders know what you’re doing.
- Stay calm – Don’t panic. Make thoughtful, careful moves when giving way to an emergency vehicle.
By practicing these habits, you help keep yourself, other drivers, and emergency responders safe.
Legal Considerations After an Ambulance Accident
When an ambulance accident happens, the legal side of things can get complicated. Unlike regular accidents, these cases often involve government agencies, special laws, and strict deadlines. Here’s what you need to know:
Determining Fault
- Fault is not always straightforward. Investigators look at whether the ambulance was on an emergency call, if sirens and lights were on, and how both drivers acted.
- Evidence such as traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness testimony plays a huge role.
- If you failed to yield, you might share responsibility. But if the ambulance driver was careless, liability could shift toward them.
Sovereign Immunity
- Many ambulances are owned by city, county, or state governments.
- Under the doctrine of sovereign immunity, government entities are often protected from lawsuits.
- However, many states have exceptions allowing claims if negligence can be proven.
- Filing deadlines (often much shorter than normal claims) apply when suing a government agency. Missing these deadlines could mean losing your right to compensation.
Insurance Claims
- Your own insurance is usually your first point of contact. Report the accident quickly and provide evidence.
- If the ambulance driver is at fault, their agency’s insurance may eventually handle the claim.
- Ambulance companies and government insurers often require extra documentation, such as police reports and medical records.
- Insurance investigations may take longer than in a normal accident due to the government involvement.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If the ambulance driver is found at fault, you may be able to claim compensation for:
- Medical bills (emergency care, ongoing treatment, therapy).
- Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Pain and suffering.
- Property damage (repair or replacement of your car).
- Long-term care needs if the injuries are severe.
Ambulance accidents often cause serious injuries due to the high speed of impact. That means the potential value of these claims can be significant.
When to Seek Legal Representation
Because of the complexity of these cases, it’s usually in your best interest to talk to a personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly.
- Collect and preserve crucial evidence.
- Handle communication with insurance companies and government agencies.
- Make sure you meet filing deadlines for claims against government entities.
- Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Without legal guidance, you might face delays, denials, or reduced settlement offers. A lawyer helps level the playing field and ensures your rights are protected.
Key Takeaways
If an ambulance hits your car, the situation is more complex than a regular accident. Here’s what to remember:
- Safety first: Get medical help and secure the scene.
- Document everything: Evidence is critical in proving fault.
- Report promptly: Notify the police and your insurance.
- Know your rights: Ambulance drivers are not automatically immune from liability.
- Watch deadlines: Special rules apply when filing claims against government entities.
- Seek legal help: A lawyer can guide you through the complicated process and improve your chances of fair compensation.
Final Thoughts
An accident with an ambulance can turn your world upside down. You may be left injured, stressed, and unsure of what to do next. While emergency vehicles have important privileges, they are not above the law. If negligence played a role in the crash, you have the right to seek justice and compensation.
By acting quickly, gathering evidence, and consulting with a skilled personal injury lawyer, you can protect yourself and your future.