A Traffic Accident with an Emergency Vehicle

If you’re unlucky enough to be involved in an accident, may have to consider whether you make a claim against the other driver. If you’re involved in an accident with a vehicle that happens to be an emergency vehicle, you may be concerned that you will have no right to claim if it was their fault.

However, emergency vehicles actually have no special rights when it comes to liability if they’re involved in an accident with another vehicle. If an emergency services vehicle hits your car and is at fault, then the same laws as all other road users govern them.

Considering the Role of an Emergency Vehicle

Most people assume that because an emergency vehicle is perhaps heading to an emergency situation that the thought of claiming against them is morally wrong - this isn’t the case. Even when speeding to help another individual, it is the duty of an emergency services vehicle to show due care and responsibility to all other road users. You can definitely still claim personal injury compensation against an emergency services vehicle such as a police car, ambulance or fire engine.

However, in regards to the moral aspects of making a claim against someone who is perhaps rushing to save another’s life, you as a road user should always be aware of emergency vehicles in your vicinity. It is your duty to help them by removing yourself from their path if possible, as they are likely to travel at speed and ignore traffic signals in some cases. Always make sure that you look out for emergency vehicles and get out of their way if you can.

Dealing with Claims Against Emergency Services Vehicles

If you do have to make a claim against an emergency services driver, get the same details from them as you would from other drivers in an accident situation. Primarily you would need the drivers name, address and telephone number. Also, if you can, get the names and addresses of any witnesses as your insurance company or claim company may need this at some point.

You have to ideally be able to prove that the other individual was responsible for the accident and this can be difficult. Get as many notes as you can down about it – from the exact location to the weather conditions at the time. If you’re able, get their insurance details also. Most drivers who handle emergency service vehicles on a daily basis will be aware of their company insurance and getting this at the scene of the accident can save time later.

Should I Report the Accident to the Police

If someone is injured in your collision with an emergency vehicle you should still let the police know. Even if you are in an accident with an ambulance and someone is hurt, call the emergency services so they can assess the situation and what to do next. If nobody is injured, so long as you obtain all the details of the other driver, there is no need to call the police. Most emergency services personnel are aware of the right code of practice if they’re involved in an accident and they should be forthcoming with their information.