Road Accident Emergency Services Claims
Accidents Involving Emergency Vehicles
- Do Emergency Service Vehicles Have Special Rights?
- Can I File a Claim Against An Emergency Service Vehicle?
- What if I am Partially at Fault for the Accident?
- What to Do if You are in an Accident with an Emergency Service Vehicle
- How is my Compensation Determined?
- How Long Do I Have to Make A Road Accident Involving Emergency Service Vehicles Claim?
- What if the Other Parties Insurance Company Contacts Me Directly?
- How Claim Solutions Scotland can Help Your Claim
- Start Your Claim
Road accidents involving emergency services claims can take longer than traditional road traffic accident claims because you are dealing with government agencies. Emergency service vehicles are meant to help people in need but sometimes, they are the reason an accident occurs. According to an article published by the Herald in 2015 there were so many accidents involving emergency vehicles that officials were forced to introduce new safety measures.
That year’s statistics show 2,242 accidents involving police and ambulance services. This resulted in 85 people being injured, 15 police cars written off and £1.7 million of taxpayers money going towards vehicle repairs.
If you have been injured in a road accident involving emergency vehicles and the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence then you are entitled to receive compensation for your injuries and losses. Claim Solutions Scotland can help you to get the right level of compensation.
Our professionally trained staff can provide you with the expert advice you need to maximise your compensation. Contact us today and we will give you a straightforward analysis of your claim and guide you through the process.
Do Emergency Service Vehicles Have Special Rights?
Emergency service vehicles must be operated in a safe manner that doesn’t put other drivers at risk. This includes when the flashers are on and the vehicle is in high-speed transit, to or from, an emergency situation. Emergency vehicles often cut through traffic lights and signals in an attempt to reach the site of the emergency quicker. Although this is legal, emergency service vehicles must do their due diligence and be careful to ensure that their actions are not putting other drivers at risk.
Can I File a Claim Against An Emergency Service Vehicle?
If you have been injured because of the actions of an emergency service vehicle then you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The circumstances of your accident will be reviewed and if you are found to be not at fault for the incident then you will be compensated for your pain and suffering, property damages, and personal injuries sustained. The most common injuries resulting from an emergency vehicle collision are:
- Whiplash
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Burn
- Scarring
- Head Injuries
- Ligament or Limb Damage
- Lacerations
- Amputation
- Paraplegia
- Anxiety
- Panic Attacks
- Depression
What if I am Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Due to the sudden nature in which emergency vehicles can appear, it is common for accidents involving these vehicles to be the result of multiple people failing to respond accordingly on the road. Drivers are often distracted and unable to hear the sirens approaching their vehicle. If you are partially responsible for your accident, you can still make a claim. Your claim will be reviewed by the Courts and once they decide how much blame you share, your compensation will be adjusted to reflect their decision. This can also be negotiated with the other party direct and without the need to go to Court if an agreement can be reached.
What to Do if You are in an Accident with an Emergency Service Vehicle
If you are in an accident with an emergency vehicle there are a few critical steps you should take that can help support your claim. If you are seriously injured, you may not be able to complete this list but if possible, with the assistance of a passenger or friend, follow these steps to make your claim easier to pursue:
- Notify the Authorities
- Notify Your Insurer
- Take Pictures and Video of your Property Damage
- Take Pictures and Video of Your Injuries
- Get Video Witness Statements and Contact Information
How is my Compensation Determined?
A Scottish Court using the Judicial Colleges Guidelines for Road Traffic Injuries determines your compensation. They will take into consideration a variety of key factors to help determine how much compensation you are entitled to receive. This will tally into two categories, general and special damages. Below is a list of some of the items that may be considered while contemplating your total compensation amount.
- Reduction of Mental Capacity
- Loss of Physical Capacity
- Medical Bills
- Future Medical Bills
- Damaged Property
- Pain and Suffering
- Lost Wages
- Loss of Employment
How Long Do I Have to Make A Road Accident Involving Emergency Service Vehicles Claim?
You don’t have forever to make a claim and in most cases, the longer you wait to lodge your claim, the more difficult it is to receive compensation. Legally, you have a three year window of time from the date of your accident to lodge your claim. This, however, doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute. The claims process should start from the moment of your accident. If you have followed the five steps listed to do after a road service vehicle accident, you will have enough evidence to support your claim. If you neglected to gather the proper evidence, your claim is going to be more difficult to prove but we can fill the gaps. Do not worry if you haven’t taken any information. We often deal with claims were clients have no information at all, not even a name or registration plate.
What if the Other Parties Insurance Company Contacts Me Directly?
In some instances, the other party’s insurance company may deem it a smart move to contact you with a settlement offer. Even though a settlement offer may seem like a quick way to get your compensation, taking one will also forfeit all future financial responsibility on the part of the insurance company. Depending on your circumstances, this may not be a smart move. Claim Solutions Scotland works on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve. Don’t get bullied by insurance companies looking to save cash at your expense.
How Claim Solutions Scotland can Help Your Claim
Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd can help guide you through the intricacies of the claims process. Our expert team of claim advisors understand the importance of your emergency vehicle accident claim and we work with you to get you the compensation you deserve. We are here to guide you and help you plan ahead.
Start Your Claim
Contact us today to receive an in-depth analysis of your claims potential and start the journey to compensation.