Maryland Car Crashes Involving Emergency Vehicles

In Maryland, emergency vehicles primarily include police vehicles, fire trucks, and ambulances, encompassing those operated by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, volunteer fire companies, rescue squads, and the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). More specifically, the Maryland Vehicle Law defines emergency vehicles as those designated by the Administration as entitled to specific exemptions and privileges, including:

• Law Enforcement Vehicles – Vehicles of federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies, such as police vehicles and sheriff’s office vehicles.
• Fire and Rescue Vehicles – Vehicles from volunteer fire companies, fire departments, rescue squads, and the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS). This includes ambulances.
• Other Authorized Vehicles – Certain service and utility vehicles may be authorized under specific conditions. For example, tow trucks can be classified as emergency vehicles (Class T) and may display amber or yellow lights. Vehicles performing governmental functions under contract with any federal, state, or local government can also be authorized as service vehicles.

It is important to note that some vehicles, like tow trucks, construction vehicles, and utility vehicles, are designated as “service vehicles” and may have specific lighting requirements (e.g., amber, or yellow flashing lights) but not sirens.

Car accidents involving emergency vehicles can leave innocent motorists facing severe consequences. Even if emergency personnel acted negligently, complex legal issues arise around liability, fault, and seeking proper restitution. Navigating these situations requires in-depth knowledge of applicable laws and a strategic approach.

If an emergency vehicle driver acted negligently and caused a car collision, their employing government entity usually bears responsibility. Damages like medical bills, lost wages from injuries, and vehicle repair costs may be owed. Government bodies often have insurance plans to handle legal settlements up to set policy limits.

In some cases, individual emergency personnel can also incur personal liability civilly or criminally. Reckless disregard of safety procedures could bypass immunity shields, granting legal defenses. However, most compensation pursued civilly targets their public employer’s deeper resources.

In Maryland, determining responsibility and legal recourse in car collisions with emergency responders involves examining immunity statutes, comparative negligence doctrines, and options to recover damages.

Working with a Baltimore car accident lawyer can help point you in the right direction and help you determine the proper steps to take. With greater understanding, you can make informed decisions to exercise your rights and seek fair treatment under the law.

Understanding Immunities Given to Emergency Responders

Emergency personnel in Maryland have qualified immunity from certain regulations to enable urgent public services. However, this special exemption is conditional when operating vehicles. They must still follow basic traffic rules and exercise reasonable diligence. Reckless disregard for safety protocols can void legal protections.

For police officers specifically, immunity does not automatically apply during vehicle pursuits either. Factors like the nature of the crime, population density, weather, and traffic are weighed. Car wrecks stemming directly from negligent vehicular operations would likely override immunity claims.

Other first responders transporting victims enjoy fewer allowances, too, if driving unsafely. While having patient’s onboard links to their immunity, operating rules made to enable prudent transport still apply. Any clear failures to implement transport safely could impose liability.

Rights as an Ordinary Motorist When Approached by Emergency Vehicles

As an everyday driver in Maryland, you must yield the right-of-way when emergency vehicles approach by safely pulling to the curb or shoulder. However, emergency personnel cannot assume full possession of roadways during responses. They must still reasonably account for civilian vehicles lawfully present.

While emergency vehicles have some mobility advantages, such as exemptions for speed limits or traffic signals, this is conditional. Sirens and flashing lights are required for those allowances, alerting surrounding traffic. Even when responding to emergencies, reckless maneuvers that endanger motorists can override immunity.

If you sustained injuries in a car crash due to the negligent operation of an emergency vehicle, you likely have valid grounds to pursue legal action. Damages may be sought for both vehicle damage and any personal injury claim for your injuries present and, in the future, lost income from your employer, or other auto accident-related expenditures.

What to Do if You Are Injured by an Emergency Vehicle

If you have been injured in an auto accident involving an emergency vehicle, there are roughly 10 steps that you should take immediately after the crash. Even though you can not predict when and where you are going to have a car wreck, being prepared and knowing what to do after can have a huge impact on whether you get the compensation you are entitled to when you file a personal injury claim against the at-fault emergency vehicle’s insurance company.

After an auto accident involving an emergency vehicle, you should:

1. Keep calm and assess the situation – if anyone has been injured and needs immediate medical attention, call 911 right away to request an ambulance. Otherwise, you should move your car out of harm’s way so that you do not impede traffic or have another collision. Turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers that there has been a wreck, and place down flares or safety triangles if you have them.
2. Call the Police – Let the dispatcher know you were in an auto accident involving an emergency vehicle and where you are located. When the investigating officer arrives, tell the truth about what happened and just stick to the facts. You should be able to obtain a copy of the police report from the police department for a fee within a few days. This is an important step to take, as police accident reports are often critical pieces of evidence that can make or break your claim.
3. Get information from the other driver who was driving the emergency vehicle – You will want to get the name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, insurance company name, and insurance policy number from everyone involved in the wreck. If you were involved in a car accident with a commercial vehicle, be sure to get the name and contact information of the driver’s employer.
4. Do not talk about fault – The last thing you should be doing at the scene of your car wreck is arguing with other drivers about who is at fault. You are better off not saying anything. Remember, even saying something that seems harmless like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can be interpreted as admitting fault.
5. Take pictures and video – If you can, take detailed pictures and/or video of your car crash. Make sure to show all the damage, skid marks, streets signs, traffic lights, road markings, construction, hazards, and any visible injuries. Do your best to paint a clear picture of the accident scene. Bonus tip: Take notes about your wreck while it is all still fresh in your mind. Write down then and where the auto accident took place and any important details that could be useful down the road when filing a claim.
6. Seek out witnesses – If anyone saw your car collision with an emergency vehicle happen, ask them to stay to give a statement to police. Before they leave, see if you can get their name and contact information. Eyewitness testimony is often a difference-maker when trying to prove fault.
7. Get examined by a medical professional – Even if you do not have visible injuries or symptoms, you should get checked out by a licensed medical doctor within 24 hours of your car wreck. Some injuries have delayed onset symptoms and are not immediately noticeable. Make sure to document your doctor visits and attend all follow-up appointments.
8. Go off the grid – Do not post anything online about your car accident. This includes talking about your car crash on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and all other social media platforms. Anything you post online about your collision with an emergency vehicle could potentially be used against you to challenge or deny your claim. You are simply better off not discussing the details of your accident online or with your family and friends.
9. Notify your insurance company – You are required to notify your insurance company that you have been in a collision, so call them to let them know you were in a car wreck with an emergency vehicle. Give the facts of what happened but do not go into too much detail. If an insurance adjuster pressures you for more information or wants you to give a recorded statement, politely decline and refer them to your lawyer. Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company without speaking to an attorney first.
10. Call a car accident lawyer – An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to meet with you, learn the details of your wreck, discuss your legal options, answer your questions, and help you figure out the best way to maximize the value of your claim. Since most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and will represent you on a contingency fee basis, it probably will not cost you any upfront money to have a car wreck lawyer tackle your claim.

If you plan to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit, be sure to follow all required procedures and deadlines. There is a three-year statute of limitations in Maryland – what this means is a lawsuit must be filed within three years of the date of the accident, or the claim is forever barred. However, a person injured in a car crash involving emergency vehicles should not wait three years. You should contact an attorney at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt immediately. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Baltimore can help guide you through the often-complex legal process.

Work with a Maryland Car Accident Attorney at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt

At the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt we represent clients across Maryland who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence including car accidents with emergency vehicles. Dealing with the aftermath of car accidents with emergency vehicles can be highly stressful. Beyond physical recovery, legal navigation is vital yet complex when seeking fair accountability and compensation. Understanding your rights and options under Maryland laws can help you make informed choices.

Life after a car crash can be overwhelming, filling your days with medical appointments, insurance calls, and stress. You do not have to navigate this difficult time alone. At the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt, we stand by our commitment to offer personalized, transparent, and effective legal representation.

If you or someone you love are injured in a car crash involving an emergency vehicle, our Maryland car accident attorneys can help you file a claim to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Auto accidents with emergency vehicle claims can be challenging. Take the first step toward restoring your life to normalcy. Contact us today at 443-844-1528 for your free no-obligation, complimentary consultation, we are available anytime day or n