What to Do When You Have Been in a Car Accident with an Emergency Vehicle

With over 6,500 ambulance accidents each year, 60-percent of them happen during emergency use, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

That raises the question, what do you do if you have been in an accident involving an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance, fire truck, or police vehicle?

Move Over Law

Of course, when reporting to emergency calls, emergency vehicles need to display flashing lights and turn on their sirens, especially when traveling at excessive speeds. 

Just this year, Pennsylvania passed the Move Over Law. Pennsylvania drivers must be mindful of emergency scenes and move over to the furthest lane possible. If driving past the emergency scene is unavoidable, drivers must go no more than 20 mph. 

All drivers are expected to be aware of their surroundings. That includes slowing down and pulling over when approaching emergency scenes and emergency vehicles. As well as, reducing speed when being approached by emergency vehicles. 

Who is at Fault?

Things can get tricky when involved in an accident with an emergency vehicle. The best thing to do is to always speak with a car accident lawyer in Philadelphia who will know how to proceed, as every accident is different. 

Most states protect emergency vehicles from being held responsible for accidents they are involved in, even when an emergency vehicle is speeding to an emergency call. Because they are part of the government, they are also protected by the government. Especially with Pennsylvania’s new Move Over Law. Drivers on the road are responsible for pulling over when an emergency vehicle approaches. 

Accidents with Large Emergency Vehicles 

Ambulances and fire trucks are larger emergency vehicles that often travel at excessive speeds when responding to an emergency. 

Even though it is hard to prove negligence when involved in an accident with an emergency vehicle, the firefighter or ambulance driver can be held responsible when the following causes the accident: 

- Driving under the influence

- Reckless driving

- Drowsy Driving

- Defective vehicle parts or equipment

If there is an accident with an ambulance that has a patient inside, the patient has the same rights as everyone else involved in the accident. 

What Can You Do to Stay Safe on the Road?

Always slow down and carefully change lanes to avoid accidents with emergency vehicles. Turn on your blinker or hazard lights when pulling over and make sure the area is cleared before approaching the road again. Accidents do happen, but you can play your part to stay safe on the road by paying full attention to your surroundings when driving.