Ambulance Accidents

Alabama Ambulance Accident Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after an ambulance accident in Alabama?

Call 911, obtain medical care, photograph the vehicles and scene if it is safe, identify witnesses, preserve medical and insurance records, and avoid giving a recorded statement before obtaining legal advice. A prompt investigation may be especially important when an ambulance or public entity is involved.

Can I sue after being hit by an ambulance in Alabama?

You may have a claim when negligent conduct caused the collision and your injuries. The responsible parties and applicable procedures depend on who owned and operated the ambulance, whether it was responding to an emergency, and the facts of the crash.

Do ambulances always have the right of way?

No. Emergency vehicles may receive certain traffic privileges in qualifying circumstances, but their drivers still must use appropriate care. Lights and sirens do not automatically excuse unsafe driving or eliminate potential responsibility for a collision.

Who may be liable for an ambulance crash?

Potentially responsible parties may include the ambulance driver, an ambulance company, a hospital, a city or county, another motorist, a maintenance contractor, or a vehicle or parts manufacturer. Liability depends on the evidence and the relationships among the parties.

Can a passenger or patient injured inside an ambulance make a claim?

Yes. A patient, family member, attendant, or other passenger may have a claim if negligent driving, improper restraint, unsafe loading, equipment failure, or other misconduct caused injury.

Can I bring a claim against a city or county ambulance service?

A claim may be possible, but claims involving a city, county, or other governmental entity can be subject to special notice rules, defenses, procedures, and damages limitations. Speak with an Alabama attorney promptly so the correct deadlines can be evaluated.

What evidence is important in an ambulance accident case?

Important evidence may include the crash report, dispatch and 911 records, event data, GPS information, video, photographs, witness statements, driver training and employment records, maintenance records, medical records, and evidence concerning lights and sirens.

What compensation may be available after an ambulance collision?

Depending on the case, recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses. Punitive damages may be available only in circumstances permitted by Alabama law.

How long do I have to file an ambulance accident claim in Alabama?

Many Alabama personal injury claims have a two-year limitations period, but a much shorter notice deadline or a different rule may apply when a government entity or another special party is involved. The specific deadline should be reviewed immediately.

What if the ambulance had its lights and siren activated?

Lights and sirens are relevant but do not automatically defeat an injury claim. The investigation should examine the driver’s speed, route, traffic signal, visibility, warnings, surrounding traffic, urgency of the call, and compliance with applicable safety duties.

What if the ambulance did not use lights or a siren?

That fact may affect whether the driver could claim particular emergency traffic privileges and whether other motorists received adequate warning. It is one part of the full liability analysis.

Can pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists file ambulance accident claims?

Yes. A pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist, driver, or passenger injured by negligent ambulance operation may be able to pursue compensation, subject to the facts and Alabama law.

Can improper stretcher or wheelchair securement support a claim?

Yes. If a stretcher, wheelchair, patient, or passenger was not properly loaded or restrained and that failure caused injury, the responsible provider or other party may be liable.

What if poor ambulance maintenance caused the accident?

Maintenance records, inspection documents, repair histories, and component evidence may show whether worn brakes, tires, steering, lights, or another mechanical problem contributed to the crash. The owner, maintenance provider, or a product manufacturer may be investigated.

Do you handle fire truck and police vehicle accident claims?

Ferguson & Ferguson states that it handles injury claims involving ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, and other emergency responder vehicles in Alabama.

Do you handle air ambulance and medical helicopter accidents?

Ferguson & Ferguson states that it handles air ambulance matters involving issues such as pilot error, operator management, mechanical or maintenance problems, and pilot certification.

Should I speak with the ambulance company’s insurer?

You should be cautious. Provide required basic information, but consider obtaining legal advice before giving a recorded statement, signing a release, authorizing broad medical access, or accepting a settlement.

What if another driver also contributed to the crash?

More than one party may be investigated. An attorney can review the conduct of the ambulance driver, other motorists, employers, vehicle owners, and contractors to determine which parties may bear responsibility.

How much does an ambulance accident consultation cost?

Ferguson & Ferguson offers a no-obligation free consultation for ambulance and emergency vehicle accident matters.

Which Ferguson & Ferguson office should I call?

For the Huntsville office, call 256-534-3435. For the Decatur office, call 256-350-7200. The firm states that home and hospital visits may be available when an injured person cannot come to an office.