Union County Emergency Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Ambulance accidents can be especially dangerous because these vehicles travel at a high rate of speed, and the nature of emergencies can cause a driver not to see pedestrians or other vehicles, such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, or bicycles. If you were injured in an accident involving an emergency vehicle, our Union County auto accident lawyers are here to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Contact The Mark Law Firm for a free initial consultation today so we can discuss your case.

Common Causes of Emergency Vehicle Accidents

Emergency vehicle drivers are permitted to break certain traffic rules while responding to emergencies. Under New Jersey Statute N.J.S.A. 39:4-91, emergency vehicles may exceed speed limits, pass through red lights after slowing down, and disregard some traffic regulations when responding to calls, provided they are using audible and visual signals. However, the law still requires these drivers to operate their vehicles with due regard for the safety of others on the road.

Despite these legal protections, emergency vehicle crashes still happen for many reasons. Some of the most common causes include the following:

• High-speed responses to emergencies: Emergency personnel often travel at significantly higher speeds when responding to urgent calls. At high speeds, stopping distances increase dramatically, and drivers have less time to react to sudden obstacles or unexpected traffic conditions.
• Intersection collisions: Intersections are among the most common locations for emergency vehicle accidents. Drivers who fail to hear sirens or notice flashing lights may proceed through an intersection at the same time an emergency vehicle enters it, resulting in a side-impact collision.
• Drivers failing to yield the right of way: New Jersey law requires motorists to pull to the right side of the road and stop when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens activated. Unfortunately, drivers sometimes panic, hesitate, or fail to notice the vehicle entirely, which can create dangerous situations.
• Limited visibility during emergency responses: Emergency calls often occur at night or during severe weather conditions. Rain, snow, fog, and darkness can make it difficult for both emergency responders and other drivers to see each other clearly.
• Sudden lane changes by surrounding vehicles: When motorists hear a siren, they may attempt to move out of the way quickly. In some cases, drivers change lanes abruptly without checking blind spots, leading to collisions with nearby vehicles.
• Driver distraction or fatigue: Emergency responders often work long shifts under stressful conditions. Fatigue, distraction, or momentary lapses in attention can contribute to accidents, particularly during extended emergency responses.
• Malfunctioning emergency equipment: Sirens, warning lights, and communication equipment must function properly to alert other motorists. If these systems fail or are not activated correctly, other drivers may not realize an emergency vehicle is approaching.
• Improper driver training or operational errors: Operating a fire engine, ambulance, or police vehicle requires specialized training. Mistakes in judgment, inadequate training, or failure to follow safety procedures can increase the likelihood of a crash.

Filing a Claim for Compensation

Many people assume that if they were injured in an accident involving a police car or ambulance, they cannot pursue compensation. In reality, injured victims may have legal options, although the process can be more complicated than a typical car accident claim.

One of the key legal issues involves the New Jersey Tort Claims Act, which governs lawsuits against government entities and public employees. Because many emergency vehicles are operated by government agencies such as police departments or municipal fire departments, claims involving these vehicles must follow strict procedural requirements.

If you were injured in an emergency vehicle accident in Union County, the following legal considerations may apply.

Notice of Claim Requirement

Before filing a lawsuit against a public entity in New Jersey, injured parties must typically file a Notice of Claim. This notice must be submitted within 90 days of the accident in most cases. The notice informs the government agency of the incident and allows it to investigate the claim.

Failing to submit this notice within the required time frame can jeopardize your ability to pursue compensation.

Comparative Negligence Rules

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, injured parties may recover damages as long as they were not more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. If a court determines that both the emergency vehicle driver and another motorist contributed to the crash, compensation may be reduced based on each party’s percentage of fault.

For example, if an injured driver is found to be 20 percent responsible for the accident, their total recovery may be reduced by that same percentage.

Insurance and Liability Issues

Emergency vehicle accident claims may involve multiple parties and insurance policies. Depending on the circumstances, liability may involve:

• The government agency operating the emergency vehicle
• The individual driver of the emergency vehicle
• Another motorist who failed to yield the right of way
• Private ambulance companies or contractors
• Vehicle manufacturers if mechanical defects contributed to the crash

Determining which party is responsible requires a detailed investigation of police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction evidence.

Potential Compensation for Victims

Individuals injured in emergency vehicle accidents may be entitled to pursue compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Property damage resulting from the collision

In particularly severe cases, accident victims may face long-term medical needs or life-altering injuries.

Contact Our Springfield Emergency Vehicle Accident Lawyers

Don’t face the aftermath of an emergency vehicle accident without a team of dedicated personal injury lawyers in your corner. Contact The Mark Law Firm for an initial consultation today so we can discuss your case and fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.