What is an emergency vehicle accident claim?

The emergency services do a fantastic job of keeping us safe and well, responding to countless calls each year to protect and save lives. Their work requires them to be able to react quickly, and they are afforded a certain degree of leeway when it comes to obeying the rules of the road to ensure they can reach those who need them promptly.

Nevertheless, emergency vehicle drivers still have a duty of care to other road users and while most rapid response vehicles are operated carefully and professionally, driving at speed is inherently risky and accidents do occur.

If you’ve been injured as a result of a collision or accident caused by an emergency vehicle, you could be entitled to compensation.

What are the main causes of emergency vehicle accidents?

Even when responding to an emergency, the drivers of emergency vehicles have protocols and training that they are required to follow. All emergency vehicle drivers undergo special training for driving at speed in public areas, so more often than not, they undertake their duties with minimal risk and no issues.

However, there are times when mistakes are made. This can include:

• Reckless driving at speed, including not paying attention to other road users or failing to slow at junctions.
• Failing to follow traffic rules, or failing to follow training protocols when driving under blue lights or sirens

Are the drivers of emergency vehicles, such as police cars, ambulances and fire engines, protected by the law in the case of an accident?

While the drivers of emergency vehicles are given some leeway when driving under blue lights or sirens, they are not entirely exempt from obeying the rules of the road. All road users have a duty of care to one another, including emergency vehicles, and while it is important that road users allow emergency vehicles the room and flexibility needed to be able to respond to emergency situations, this must be done safely.

When an emergency vehicle is being driven under blue lights, they are allowed to drive at higher than normal speeds, as well as pass through stop signs, red lights and other junctions should as roundabouts. However, this can only be done when it does not put other road users in danger.

Where possible, other road users should try to give emergency vehicles as much room as possible, either by pulling over or moving into another lane when safe to do so. It is not acceptable for other road users to endanger anyone else in an attempt to move out of the way of an emergency vehicle (for instance, mounting a pavement being used by pedestrians or driving through a red light).

When emergency vehicles are being driven without lights or sirens, drivers must obey the rules of the road as any other driver would.

How do I start a claim for an emergency vehicle accident?

To make an emergency vehicle accident claim, you will need to be able to prove that the accident you were involved in was your not fault, and that your injuries were sustained in the accident.

In the case of accidents involving emergency vehicles, drivers are often given certain legal protections when performing their duties, which can make proving fault complicated. This doesn’t mean your claim will be unsuccessful, but it does mean that it is important to be able to demonstrate the circumstances that led to the accident.

The best way to do this is to collect as much information as you can from the scene of the accident. This should include the name and details of all the involved parties, including vehicle registration numbers, and photographs or CCTV footage of the incident (try to include any road markings or relevant features) and the damage caused.

Why choose Slater and Gordon

Being involved in an accident involving a police car or emergency vehicle can be difficult. Emergency vehicles are often travelling at speed, and the risk of significant injury can often be much higher. Added to that, some can be caught unaware and experience shock in the immediate aftermath.

We understand the impact an accident caused by emergency vehicles can have on those involved, and work tirelessly to ensure claims are settled as quickly and as stress-free as possible.

Emergency vehicle accident claims can be complex, and you wanted to know that the solicitors handling your case are experts in the field and experienced in dealing with these types of claims. Our team is consistently ranked highly in reputable independent legal directories, such as Chambers and Partners, and the Legal 500, and are among the best and most experienced injury lawyers in the country.

We work closely with medical professionals to ensure each and every one of our clients receives the best possible outcome, both in terms of finances and future care. We also have an in-house rehabilitation coordinator, who is on hand to provide immediate support, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

To start your claim, speak to a member of our team by contacting us online or calling 0330 041 5869.