What to Do If You’re Hit by a Los Angeles Paramedic Car

Seeing an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and a blaring siren typically prompts drivers and pedestrians to clear the way. We understand that paramedics, firefighters, and police officers are often rushing to save lives. But what happens when the emergency vehicle is the one causing the accident? Being struck by a Los Angeles paramedic car is a uniquely confusing and stressful situation. While your first instinct might be to assume the emergency vehicle always has the right-of-way, the reality is far more complex.

Victims of accidents involving government vehicles face a different set of rules and challenges than in a typical car crash case. The process of seeking compensation is governed by strict laws that apply specifically to claims against public entities like the City of Los Angeles. Understanding these special procedures is critical to protecting your rights and securing the financial support you need for your recovery.

Have you or a loved one been hit walking or driving by a paramedic? These accidents are more common than you think, especially when it is an on duty car rushing. Set up your obligation free consultation with Walch Law today to learn how we can help. Your case can be worth millions and it only takes one call and no money upfront to hire our team. CALL NOW.

Immediate Steps to Take After the Accident

The moments following a collision with any vehicle, including a paramedic car, are crucial for your health and any future legal claim. Your priority should always be your well-being, but if you are able, taking the following steps can significantly strengthen your case.

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Move to a safe location if possible to avoid further injury. Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, you must get a thorough medical evaluation. Adrenaline from the accident can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, or whiplash, which may not show symptoms for hours or even days.

Seeking immediate medical care creates an official record that links your injuries directly to the accident. Any delay gives the city’s lawyers an opportunity to argue that your injuries were caused by something else.

2. Report the Accident and Document Everything

Call 911 to report the incident. A police report is an essential piece of evidence that provides an official, third-party account of what happened. Do not assume that because a paramedic vehicle was involved, a report will be automatically filed. Insist on it.

Use your smartphone to document the scene thoroughly. Take pictures and videos of:

• The position of all vehicles involved.
• Damage to your vehicle, the paramedic car, and any other property.
• Skid marks, traffic signals, and the general layout of the intersection or road.
• Your visible injuries.
• The paramedic vehicle’s number and any identifying information.

3. Gather Information and Identify Witnesses

Collect contact and insurance information from the paramedics involved, just as you would with any other driver. Get their names, badge numbers, and the department they work for.

If there were any witnesses, get their names and phone numbers. Independent testimony can be incredibly powerful in establishing fault, especially if the city disputes your version of events.

4. Be Careful What You Say

Avoid admitting fault or even apologizing. A simple “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt. Stick to factual statements when speaking with law enforcement. You are not required to give a detailed statement to anyone from the city or its insurance representatives without your lawyer present.

Understanding Liability and Emergency Vehicles

A common misconception is that emergency vehicles are immune from liability if they cause an accident while responding to a call. This is not true. While California Vehicle Code section 21055 gives drivers of emergency vehicles certain privileges—like exceeding the speed limit or running a red light—these privileges come with a critical condition: they must operate the vehicle with “due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.”

This means the paramedic driver cannot be reckless. For example, if a paramedic runs a red light without slowing down to check for cross-traffic and hits another car, they can still be found negligent. The key factors in determining liability include:

• Were the lights and siren activated? The special privileges only apply when the vehicle’s warning lights and siren are on.
• Was the driver acting reasonably? Did the driver slow down at intersections? Did they drive at a speed that was safe for the conditions?
• Did you have a reasonable opportunity to yield? If the ambulance came out of nowhere, you might not be considered at fault for failing to get out of the way.

The Challenge of Suing a Government Entity

When the at-fault driver is a government employee, you can’t just file a lawsuit. You must first navigate a special process dictated by the California Tort Claims Act. This law requires you to file a formal “Notice of Claim” with the responsible government entity—in this case, likely the City of Los Angeles or the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).

The Critical 6-Month Deadline

This is the most important rule to remember: You have only six months (or 180 days) from the date of the accident to file this Notice of Claim.

If you miss this deadline, you will almost certainly lose your right to sue and recover any compensation for your injuries. This statute of limitations is much shorter than the two-year deadline for most personal injury claims against private citizens.

The Notice of Claim must contain specific information, including:

• Your name and contact information.
• The date, time, and location of the accident.
• A detailed description of the incident and the damages incurred.
• The names of the public employees involved, if known.
• The amount of compensation you are seeking.

The Government’s Response

After you submit your claim, the city has 45 days to respond. They can either:

1. Accept the claim and offer a settlement.
2. Reject the claim in writing.
3. Do nothing, which is treated as a rejection after 45 days.

If your claim is rejected, you then have six months from the date of the rejection letter to file a formal lawsuit in court.

Why You Need Walch Law Following Your Accident

Filing a claim against a government entity is not a DIY project. The rules are complex, the deadlines are strict, and government lawyers are dedicated to protecting the city’s finances. They will scrutinize every detail of your claim to find a reason to deny it.

An experienced personal injury attorney who understands government liability cases will:

• Meet the Deadlines: Ensure your Notice of Claim is filed correctly and on time.
• Investigate and Build Your Case: Gather evidence, interview witnesses, and hire experts to prove the paramedic’s negligence.
• Handle All Communications: Manage all interactions with city attorneys and insurance adjusters.
• Maximize Your Compensation: Accurately calculate your total damages, including future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering, to fight for the full amount you deserve.

Being hit by a vehicle meant to help people is a traumatic experience. Your focus should be on healing, not on navigating a maze of legal bureaucracy. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a Los Angeles paramedic car, contact the winning team at Walch Law today to get started on your physical and financial recovery. We know how to win these cases for the most money possible. 1-844-999-5342