Virginia emergency vehicle accident lawyers

Emergency vehicle accident attorneys in Virginia who know how to win

Almost 200 people were killed in accidents involving emergency vehicles in a recent year. If you were harmed in a crash involving a police vehicle, fire truck, or ambulance, you may be able to pursue compensation to cover the costs of your injuries and related expenses.

Wrecks involving emergency vehicles do present unique legal challenges, so it’s important to find a Virginia car accident lawyer who has the knowledge and experience to navigate them successfully.

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we have a long and successful track record of winning lawsuits and settlements for our clients in Virginia.

Our firm won’t charge you anything unless we win your case. We call it our Zero Fee Guarantee.

Call us at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 to schedule a free consultation today to find out if we can help you.

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What are the obstacles in filing a claim involving police vehicles and fire trucks in Virginia?

Two significant roadblocks make it difficult to seek compensation against government employees who have harmed you or a loved one in the Commonwealth of Virginia — strict filing deadlines and sovereign immunity.

If you were injured due to the negligent actions of a government employee, you face strict filing deadlines. You must submit the necessary paperwork to the right office right away. In many cases, you may have extremely limited time to file, or you will not be able to proceed with any type of legal action.

Sovereign immunity grants legal immunity to state, county, and city employees for harmful actions they commit while carrying out their official duties. This is an ancient legal doctrine that dates back to a time when settlers in Virginia were ruled by the Kings and Queens of England.

The good news is that thanks to recent statutes and court precedents, there are exceptions and limitations to sovereign immunity in Virginia. But you’ll want to find a personal injury attorney who fully understands the complexity and nuances of Virginia tort law.

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When can I file a claim involving police vehicles and fire trucks in Virginia?

When they are responding to an emergency, and their sirens are engaged, police officers and firefighters are allowed to disobey certain traffic laws, such as driving on the wrong side of the road or running a stop sign or red light. However, they must take reasonable precautions, like slowing down and checking for cars before entering an intersection.

Drivers of police vehicles and fire trucks are not protected from liability for any collisions that occur when they are off-duty or not engaged in official business.

They may also be held liable when their actions demonstrate gross negligence. Examples of gross negligence may include:

• Forgetting to turn their sirens on
• Speeding while driving an unmarked vehicle with sirens off
• Not following department vehicle pursuit policies
• Driving too fast in rainy, icy, snowy, or foggy weather conditions
• Operating a fire engine without properly securing ladders or hitches
• Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving

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What if I’m injured in an accident involving an ambulance in Virginia?

Unlike police officers and firefighters, ambulance drivers are not protected by sovereign immunity. However, they are allowed to disobey certain traffic laws when responding to an emergency as long as the driver acts “with due regard to the safety of persons and property.”

Ambulances are large and unwieldy vehicles that may cause significant injuries when they crash into cars, trucks, or pedestrians. Because ambulances are privately owned, owners and managers of ambulance companies may be held liable for harm caused by their employees. Ambulance drivers are also responsible for ensuring the safety of their passengers.

Ambulance companies and their employees may be held liable for injuries in the following instances:

• The vehicle is not responding to an emergency.
• The driver was not adequately screened.
• The driver has poor knowledge of driving laws.
• The company failed to properly train its drivers.
• Poor vehicle maintenance or faulty equipment caused a collision.

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How can an auto accident attorney help after an emergency vehicle crash?

If you were harmed by a negligent emergency vehicle driver, it’s crucial to find the right lawyer to handle your case.

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, our partners have extensive legal experience. We’ve worked as federal prosecutors and in the private sector in large firms. We also care deeply about our community and our neighbors. That’s why one of our mottos is “big city experience, small town care.”

Our team will navigate the Virginia legal system, filing a claim against anyone whose negligence contributed to your injuries. Our investigators will interview witnesses, review police reports, examine physical evidence, and collect the evidence we need to build a strong case. We have the resources to go to trial if the other side refuses to make a reasonable offer.

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What types of expenses can I recover after an emergency vehicle crash?

A personal injury claim for injuries caused by a negligent emergency vehicle driver includes the following types of costs:

• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Reduced earning potential
• Medical devices
• Emergency room treatment
• Disfigurement
• Medications
• Surgery
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Reduced quality of life
• Wheelchair ramps for your home
• Current and future medical expenses
• Wrongful death

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Who can help me with my emergency vehicle wreck in Virginia?

At GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, we consider it a calling to help people who have been senselessly harmed in an accident. In fact, our partners, Ken Gibson and John Singleton, both have firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to be an injury victim.

We proudly uphold the values of respect and compassion, and we are always here to take your call if you have any questions or concerns. If somebody hurt you, we want to hear about it.

Call us at (804) 413-6777 or toll-free at (855) 781-6777 to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to work wisely for you, and you won’t pay anything unless we win.

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