Emergency vehicles like ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars serve an essential role in keeping the public safe. However, their speed and urgency can also create dangerous situations on Chicago’s crowded streets. When these vehicles are involved in car accidents, the results can be catastrophic for everyone involved.
If you were injured in a crash with an emergency vehicle, it’s important to know your rights. While these vehicles receive certain privileges under Illinois law, their drivers must still act with reasonable care to avoid harming others. Make sure to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Chicago for legal guidance and support.
Who Can Be Held Legally Responsible in an Emergency Vehicle Accident?
Determining liability in these accidents can be complicated because Illinois law grants certain protections to emergency responders under the Illinois Vehicle Code. Section 11-205 allows them to disregard certain traffic laws in emergencies, such as speed limits and red lights. However, this protection does not extend to reckless or negligent behavior.
Liability may fall on:
- The emergency vehicle driver, if they acted recklessly
- The city or municipality, if the driver was on duty at the time of the crash
- A private ambulance company, when the vehicle is owned and operated by a private entity rather than a public agency
- Other drivers, if they failed to yield to the emergency vehicle when it was lawfully using its sirens and lights
Government entities often have special procedures and shorter deadlines for filing claims, so it’s crucial to act quickly after an accident.
Recoverable Damages After a Chicago Emergency Vehicle Accident
Victims of emergency vehicle crashes in Chicago may be entitled to recover compensation for their financial and emotional losses. Depending on the details of the case, available economic and non-economic damages can include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and loss of future income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The total value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and whether multiple parties share responsibility for the crash, among other factors.
What To Do After an Emergency Vehicle Accident
If you’re involved in a collision with an emergency vehicle, take the following steps to protect your health as well as your legal rights:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Document the scene by taking photos and videos if it’s safe to do so
- Collect witness information
- Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine at first
- Avoid making statements that could be taken as admitting fault
- Contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Chicago as soon as possible
A Chicago personal injury attorney can work to determine who is responsible and file the necessary paperwork before the legal deadline passes.
Contact Meyers & Flowers for a Free Case Review With a Chicago Car Accident Attorney
If you were involved in a crash involving an emergency vehicle in Chicago, IL, you may be entitled to compensation. However, the legal process for these cases can be difficult to navigate when a government entity is involved.
The experienced Chicago car accident lawyers at Meyers & Flowers have recovered more than $6 billion for accident victims in the area since our founding. We’ll do everything we can to help you maximize the value of your claim if you hire us.
Call (630) 232-6333 today to schedule a free consultation. We’re ready to get to work for you right away.