Emergency Vehicle Accident Compensation

What is my entitlement to emergency vehicle accident compensation? My car was hit by an ambulance, even though I signalled that I could not manoeuvre to another side of the carriageway.

Question:

What is my entitlement to emergency vehicle accident compensation? My car was hit by an ambulance, even though I signalled that I could not manoeuvre to another side of the carriageway.

Answer:

You are entitled to make a claim for emergency vehicle accident compensation if you have been injured as a result of the ambulance driver’s negligence. While emergency vehicles are allowed to exceed the speed limit, they still have a duty of care to other drivers.

Their duty of care includes driving on the appropriate side of the road, observing the signals of other drivers and driving safely under the circumstances. Accordingly, if the ambulance driver disregarded your signal, you may have a viable claim for emergency vehicle accident compensation if you have been injured as a result of what may be construed as negligence.

There may be mitigating circumstances that can affect your entitlement to emergency vehicle accident compensation. For instance, if you were found to have contributed to causing the accident by your own lack of care, you may still pursue an emergency vehicle accident compensation claim, but your award may be reduced.

Moreover, there are a few procedures you should observe prior to making a claim for emergency vehicle accident compensation. Your first priority is to have a medical examination and treatment for your injury, no matter how minor your injury may initially appear to you. Your medical notes are vital in an injury claim, such as one for emergency vehicle accident compensation. In addition, you should also be sure to note the contact details of witnesses to the accident, and take photographs of the accident scene (if at all practicable) to further support your emergency vehicle injury compensation claim.

Thereafter, you should discuss your potential claim with a solicitor who has experience in litigating emergency vehicle injury compensation claims. Since establishing liability may be more complex in claims involving emergency vehicles, it is in your best interests to seek counsel at the earliest opportunity.