An accident involving an emergency vehicle can cause serious injuries, but claiming compensation after the fact can sometimes be difficult. Factors like who owns the vehicle, the driver’s behavior at the time of the crash, and local laws can quickly complicate your case. That’s why it’s a good idea to contact a car accident lawyer in Queens as soon as you can. Someone from our firm can help you learn more about your legal options and what comes next.
What Should I Do After an Accident With an Emergency Vehicle?
You should treat an accident involving an emergency vehicle just like any other accident. The goals should be to get somewhere safe, protect yourself in the event that someone sues you, and take steps to start building your own personal injury case. Some things that you can do include:
- Getting all involved vehicles somewhere safe and out of the way of traffic
- Exchanging insurance info with involved drivers
- Getting contact information for witnesses
- Not saying anything that could be seen as taking blame for the accident
- Taking photos of the accident scene and damage to the vehicles
- Calling the police to the scene
Then you should see a doctor and consult a lawyer as soon as you can.
Can You Sue After an Accident With an Emergency Vehicle?
When an emergency vehicle is responding to an emergency and its lights and sirens are on, its driver could be protected by something known as “the doctrine of sovereign immunity.” In situations like these, drivers should know to make room for an emergency vehicle and safely get out of their way.
However, the driver of such a vehicle can still be seen as negligent in other situations. If they ignore traffic laws without turning on their sirens or lights or if they otherwise behave irresponsibly behind the wheel, the people they injure may have a compelling case against them.
How Long Do I Have to Sue After an Accident With an Emergency Vehicle?
This can depend on who owns the emergency vehicle that caused your crash. There are private ambulance companies and the normal rules for suing them for damages would apply here. An accident victim in New York generally has three years to take legal action against the party that caused their injuries.
However, if a government entity owns the vehicle that hit you, then the timeline for acting is much shorter. You have to file a notice of claim against the government within 90 days. That’s not a lot of time, and this is why we suggest that accident victims consult with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Schedule a Case Consultation
So if you have been involved in an accident with an emergency vehicle, don’t try to fight for compensation on your own. Contact the Law Offices of George Poulos and schedule a case consultation today. We’re ready to help you fight for the compensation that you deserve.
