Emergency Vehicle Crashes

Car accidents happen every day in San Francisco. Most of the time, these involve only private citizens. Sometimes however, they involve emergency vehicles. When this is the case, many accident victims do not pursue accident claims because they believe there is no point. Emergency vehicles operators have immunity under California law and so, they cannot be sued, even if they were negligent, right? This is not actually the case. While emergency vehicles are offered some protections under California law, there are still instances in which accident victims can file a claim. These car accident claims are some of the most difficult to prove, however. Those hurt in an accident should speak with a San Francisco emergency vehicle accident lawyer with experience in these types of claims.

All motorists in San Francisco must follow the rules of the California Vehicle Code. This is true regardless of whether they are a private citizen or working in a public capacity. Of course, emergency vehicles do have certain exceptions to this, including when they are responding to an emergency call, when they are participating in rescue operations, or when they are in pursuit of a person suspected of breaking the law.

In these instances, California law states that drivers of emergency vehicles must warn other motorists with red lights visible from the front of their vehicles. In certain instances, they must also activate their sirens to provide further warning to drivers. They may not operate these functions, or drive at excessive speeds, unless they are responding to a situation described under the law.

There are mainly three instances in which accident victims can file a claim, with the help of a San Francisco emergency vehicle accident lawyer:

• The first is if the driver of the emergency vehicle caused a crash and was not responding to an emergency or other instance outlined in the California statutes at the time.
• The second is when they were responding to an emergency, but were not displaying the proper lights or activating appropriate sirens to alert other drivers.
• Lastly, emergency vehicle drivers must still take due care to ensure the safety of the public, even if they are responding to an emergency. When they fail to do so and act negligently or without regard for the safety of others, accident victims can file a claim.

They should speak to an attorney that can help them prove these elements of their case.

If you have been hurt in an emergency vehicle crash, you should not assume you do not have a claim. There are many instances in which drivers of emergency vehicles can, and should, be held liable for the injuries and losses they cause. If you have been hurt in an accident, you need the help of an emergency vehicle accident attorney in San Francisco.

At the Brod Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping accident victims claim the compensation they need to recover from their injuries. We hold responsible parties liable for accidents they cause, even if they were working in a public capacity at the time. If you have been hurt, call us today at (800) 427-7020 to schedule your free consultation so we can advise you of your legal options.