At David W. Martin Law Group, our personal injury lawyers in South Carolina understand that when the police are chasing a suspect, EMTs, or firefighters responding to emergencies, traffic interactions can become incredibly stressful from either getting out of the way or suffering a near miss.
But what happens when there is a crash? When you are a “Third Party” participant, individuals, innocent bystanders, or motorists who are entirely removed from the emergency until they are injured, it is crucial to understand your rights.
In other cases, can one of these entities be held liable when their negligence—outside of responding to an emergency—causes a crash with injuries or fatalities?
Our South Carolina personal injury lawyers not only recognize the importance of the injured party’s rights, but we are also here to advocate for them. We want you to feel reassured that you have a strong legal team on your side, ready to protect your rights and fight for your best interests. Here is what you need to know.
Who is Liable for Accidents Caused by Police, EMTs, or Firefighters in South Carolina?
During non-emergency operations, police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances are generally treated as ordinary vehicles on the roadway. Like everyone else, emergency vehicles must follow the rules. However, they are given a fair amount of latitude, especially when responding to accident scenes and other emergencies.
In the first scenario, where a police officer, EMT, or firefighter’s negligence may have caused a crash, they may be held liable for:
- Impaired driving.
- Failing to use their sirens or flashing lights while driving at high speeds or through red lights, leaving other drivers unaware of their approach.
- Being improperly trained to control their vehicles in high-stress or high-speed circumstances.
- Taking unnecessary risks, such as weaving through traffic, tailgating, or engaging in other forms of reckless driving.
- Driving at high speeds without an emergency or without following department protocols.
- Failing to ensure that the vehicles are properly maintained, leading to mechanical failures such as brake issues or tire blowouts.
All emergency personnel owe the general public a duty of due caution and exercise of care when responding to an emergency. When innocent bystanders—including pedestrians, bicyclists, or other motorists—are injured or killed during emergency responses, someone must be held liable.
Nearly every state, city, and local jurisdiction—including those in South Carolina—has placed certain restrictions on police pursuits. Despite these restrictions, high-speed chases continue to occur regularly, and innocent bystanders continue to become seriously injured and lose their lives because of them.
The circumstances of your crash, whether the police, firefighters, or EMTs (public or privately employed) were involved, and whether another third party was involved, will dictate your legal rights and options for pursuing a claim. We can help you understand both during a free consultation.
Contact Our David W. Martin Law Group Personal Injury Attorneys Today
Contact our David W. Martin Law Group personal injury attorneys in South Carolina today by calling (803)-548-2468 or contact us online to ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process so you can confidently move forward with your claim.
