Emergency Service Vehicles Compensation Solicitors

The emergency services do an incredible job of keeping us safe and protecting countless lives every year. Although emergency vehicles typically appear at the scene of an accident to offer assistance, they can, on rare occasions, be the ones involved.

Accidents involving emergency vehicles are unique and can have significant consequences due to the nature of their operations. Emergency vehicles, such as police cars, ambulances, and fire engines, play a crucial role in responding to urgent situations and providing life-saving assistance. However, their presence on the road can also increase the risk of accidents and collisions.

If you have been injured in an accident involving an emergency vehicle - whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or the driver of another vehicle - you may be able to file a claim for compensation if it can be proven that you were not at fault. 

The three key emergency services in the UK - the police, ambulance and fire engine service - have different protocols and guidance for victims of emergency vehicle accidents to proceed with a claim.

Our experienced road traffic accident solicitors will help to get you the answers you deserve; including whether you have a claim, what you could be entitled to and understanding what the claims process will look like.

Why choose us?

At SDS Solicitors, we have made it our mission to assist victims of emergency service vehicle accidents from across England and Wales in making compensation claims that reflect the full extent of the damage caused

The emergency services are there to protect and help us when we need it most, and they do an incredible job. However, accidents do happen. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving an emergency service vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. 

Accidents involving emergency vehicles can have severe consequences, including physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardships. Compensation can help victims recover from their losses, cover medical expenses, and provide financial support during their recovery.

While emergency service vehicle accidents may not have been caused purposefully, they can still cause harm and those affected may be able to seek out compensation. 

At SDS Solicitors, we have made it our mission to assist victims of emergency service vehicle accidents from across England and Wales in making compensation claims that reflect the full extent of the damage caused.

To find out whether you could have a claim, how much you could be entitled to and what your next steps should be, simply fill out our contact form or call the number listed at the top of this page. One of our experts will contact you as soon as possible to discuss your potential case.

Who is responsible for emergency vehicle accidents?

Determining liability in accidents involving emergency vehicles can be complex. In some cases, the emergency vehicle driver may be at fault due to negligence or failure to adhere to their training and protocols. However, it's important to note that emergency vehicle drivers are often given certain legal protections when performing their duties.

To determine liability, factors such as the driver's actions, adherence to protocols, and the circumstances of the accident will be assessed.  The conduct of other drivers involved in the accident and their ability to react to the presence of an emergency vehicle will also be considered.

Whether they are pursuing a criminal, attending a crime scene, attempting to reach an injured person or responding to a house fire, emergency service vehicles frequently travel at high speeds. 

The emergency vehicle driver will have undergone special training for driving at high speeds in public areas, however, accidents can still occur where pedestrians, drivers or other road users can be injured. 

Some common factors that contribute to accidents with emergency vehicles include:

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Emergency vehicles often need to travel at high speeds to reach their destinations quickly. However, excessive speeding or reckless driving can increase the risk of accidents, especially when other road users are caught off guard by their sudden presence.

Failure to Follow Traffic Rules

Emergency vehicles are granted certain exemptions from traffic rules to ensure a prompt response. However, drivers of emergency vehicles still have a duty to exercise reasonable care and caution while on the road. Failure to obey traffic signals or drive in a manner consistent with their training and protocols can lead to accidents.

Limited Visibility

Emergency vehicles often use flashing lights, sirens, and other warning devices to alert other motorists. However, poor visibility conditions or distracted driving can hinder other drivers' ability to perceive and react to these warnings, increasing the risk of accidents.

Despite the more complicated claims process that can result from an emergency vehicle accident, your rights are the same as they would be if you were in a road traffic collision with a member of the public. Similarly, police, ambulance, and fire truck drivers must observe the same traffic laws as other vehicle drivers and must drive cautiously.

To discuss your case with an experienced solicitor, contact our emergency vehicle claims team to find out whether you could have a claim and how much you might be entitled to.

What should you do after an emergency service vehicle accident?

Navigating the legal complexities of a compensation claim following an accident with an emergency vehicle can be challenging. It's crucial to seek legal representation from experienced personal injury solicitors who specialise in handling such cases.

A personal injury solicitor can provide valuable guidance, protect your rights, gather evidence, assess liability, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

In order to prove liability, there are several measures that can be taken in order to increase the likelihood of a successful claim. 

The following precautions may be of assistance following an emergency vehicle accident:

Contact information

Collect the necessary driver and vehicle information of all involved parties.

Seek out medical treatment

The first and most crucial step after any accident is to prioritise your health and well-being. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical professional can evaluate your condition, provide necessary treatment, and document your injuries. Prompt medical attention also establishes a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which is crucial for your compensation claim.

Take note of any relevant costs

List all related financial losses, including medical expenses and lost wages. Where possible, keep receipts of any costs that you incurred as a result of the accident, such as travel, additional childcare, or holiday cancellation costs. 

Collect footage of the incident

Dashcam/CCTV footage can provide evidence of negligence. It may reveal who caused the incident that left you injured. CCTV footage of you can be legally requested.

Take photographs

Collecting evidence from the accident scene can strengthen your claim and help establish liability. If possible, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These visual records can serve as valuable evidence during the claims process.

Make a list of potential witnesses

Others may have witnessed the collision that caused your injuries. They could present their observations in support of your claim. If you have witness contact information, a lawyer can assist you in gathering this evidence. 

Notify Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, even if the emergency vehicle driver was at fault. Your insurance policy may require immediate notification, and failing to do so could result in a denial of coverage. Provide accurate and detailed information about the accident to your insurance company while avoiding admitting fault or making speculative statements. Cooperate with their investigation but be cautious when discussing the accident until you've sought legal advice.

Consult with an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

To navigate the complex legal process and protect your rights, it is advisable to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who specialises in accidents involving emergency vehicles. They can provide expert guidance, assess the strength of your claim, and help determine liability. A lawyer will advocate for your interests, handle communication with insurance companies and other parties involved, and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf.

Emergency vehicles exist to support us when we need it the most. If you were involved in a collision with an emergency vehicle that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to compensation. 

At SDS Solicitors, our experts have decades of experience in handling emergency vehicle accident claims. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how much you could be entitled to.

I was hit by an emergency service vehicle whilst walking. Can I make a claim?

Unlike most road users, emergency service vehicles commonly operate in pedestrian-only areas, increasing the risk of accidents.

If a police car, ambulance or fire engine hits you on a public path, you can sue for damages.

Emergency service vehicles are allowed to drive on pavements, public parks, private land, and other areas that normal road users cannot use, but the driver must act with due care and attention to minimise damage to private property and reduce the risk of accidents.

If you were hit by an emergency service vehicle whilst walking, our expert team can help.

At SDS Solicitors, we have decades of experience in helping pedestrians harmed by emergency service vehicles get the compensation they rightly deserve. To find out if you could have a claim and how much compensation you might be entitled to, call us on the number at the top of this page or simply fill out our contact form.

Can I make a claim on behalf of someone else?

In rarer circumstances, a victim of an emergency vehicle collision can suffer fatal or severe, life-altering injuries. 

While uncommon, these injuries can and do happen. 

In such cases, the victim's dependents, immediate family members and estate can make a claim.

To learn whether you could have a potential claim and to find out what your next steps should be, contact our emergency vehicle claims specialists on the number at the top of this page or by filling out our contact form.

How much are you entitled to?

If you file a claim for compensation after being struck by a police car, ambulance, fire engine, or any other emergency services vehicle, the settlement amount will typically be based on the following factors:

General damages

Damages that fall under the category of "general" include things like compensation for your physical injuries or any mental trauma you might have suffered as a direct result of the accident. 

Special damages

The cost of any genuine financial losses can be compensated for by way of special damages. Potential financial losses that would fall under this category include any loss of earnings, travel expenses, paid prescriptions or additional childcare costs that you might have incurred as a result of the accident and the injuries you experienced as a result.

No two accidents are the same. Therefore, the best way to learn how much you could be entitled to is to seek out legal advice.

It is essential that your solicitor has a comprehensive understanding of the physical, financial, and emotional harm you suffered when calculating the amount of damage. This will help ensure that you receive the appropriate compensation.

With the correct solicitor on your side, submitting a claim that takes into account these factors is considerably more straightforward.

Find out if you have a claim, how much you may be entitled to, and what happens next by contacting our emergency service vehicle claims specialists today.

Contact Us

Navigating the legal complexities of a compensation claim following an accident with an emergency vehicle can be challenging. It's crucial to seek legal representation from experienced personal injury lawyers who specialise in handling such cases. 

The team of road traffic accident lawyers at SDS Solicitors will provide valuable guidance, protect your rights, gather evidence, assess liability, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.