Emergency Vehicles Crash: What Are Your Rights in an Accident?

Emergency vehicles, such as police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks, play a crucial role in responding to urgent situations and saving lives. However, when these vehicles are involved in accidents, the complexities of liability come into play. While these vehicle operators enjoy certain legal privileges when responding to emergency calls, they aren’t immune from liability if their actions result in accidents and injuries. Navigating the complexities of liability in these types of accidents requires the expertise of seasoned legal professionals.

At Mintz Law Firm, we specialize in personal injury cases and are dedicated to helping our clients protect their rights and best interests. Handling the physical, mental, and financial damages of an accident can be incredibly overwhelming. Our personal injury attorneys in Colorado can help you not just during the legal process but also while working to obtain fair compensation that will continue to help you in the future.

Navigating Liability in Emergency Vehicle Accidents in Colorado 

Accidents involving emergency vehicles can be devastating, often leaving victims with injuries and property damage. In Colorado, understanding liability in such cases is crucial to recovering fair compensation for your losses. Emergency vehicles are granted certain road privileges to respond to emergencies, known as “emergency vehicle immunity.” Under this protection, emergency vehicles, with their lights and sirens activities, are generally exempt from traffic laws, such as speed limits and traffic signals, to ensure they can reach the scene as quickly as possible. 

However, these privileges don’t absolve them of all liability. Emergency vehicles must still exercise reasonable care when driving, considering the circumstances of the emergency. An emergency vehicle may be liable for an accident if the following apply:

• Negligence or Recklessness: Emergency vehicle operators must exercise reasonable care when driving, even when responding to emergency situations. When their actions are negligent, such as excessive speeding, running red lights without caution, or failing to yield the right of way, they may be held liable for any resulting accidents and injuries.
• Failure to Use Lights and Sirens: Emergency vehicles are required to use their lights and sirens when responding to emergencies. If an emergency vehicle fails to activate these warning devices and this failure contributes to an accident, they may be held liable.
• Violating Traffic Laws Without Due Regard: Emergency vehicles can disregard some traffic laws. However, they must do so with consideration to the safety of others on the road. Emergency vehicle operators who violate traffic laws without reasonable care for the safety of others and cause an accident are liable for damages if they cause an accident.
• Unrelated Actions: If an emergency vehicle operator is in an accident while not responding to any emergency, the emergency vehicle immunity may not apply, and liability may be determined based on standard Colorado traffic rules and negligent principles. 
• Driver Error: Emergency vehicles are operated by human drivers who can make mistakes. Accidents can occur due to driver error, such as distracted driving or impairment. Liability can then be attributed to the driver individually.

It’s important to note that determining liability in emergency vehicle accidents can be complex, and each case is unique. Establishing liability is crucial to recover fair compensation after being in an accident with an emergency vehicle. The best step after your accident is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury awyer can assess the specific circumstances of your case and help you navigate the legal process to determine liability and seek the compensation you deserve. 

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Claim at Mintz Law Firm

Emergency vehicles are necessary for our safety. Every day, operators go out and help people as best as they can. Unfortunately, this is an imperfect world, and even something that is meant to help can cause harm. Accidents involving emergency vehicles are complex legal matters that require a nuanced understanding of the law.

At Mintz Law Firm, we understand the challenges and complexities surrounding emergency vehicle liability in accidents. Our dedicated team of Colorado personal injury lawyers to provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. You don’t need to take on this burden alone. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation today by calling (303) 462-2999 or completing our online contact form.