On April 8, 2010, a woman crashed her motor vehicle into an unmarked police car in Ellicott City, Maryland. The woman collided with the police cruiser when the police officer was making a left hand turn onto Court House Drive and sustained bodily injuries to her arm. Paramedics arrived on the scene and transported her to an area hospital. The police cruiser was not operating in an emergency capacity. Sirens and lights were not being used at the time of this collision. Further investigation into this accident is underway.
Emergency vehicles have their own set of rules to which they adhere while driving. The law clearly states that emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, or fire trucks cannot be held to the same standard of care as other drivers. Designated emergency vehicles that are responding to an emergency have special privileges. For instance, they are permitted to exceed the speed limit (so long as they do not endanger other drivers), pass a red light or stop sign, and disregard traffic control devices. However, it is important to keep in mind that these privileges only exist if the responding vehicle is using its audible and visual signals except in the even event that the police vehicle is not equipped with such signals. None of the above apply if the police are not operating in an emergency capacity.
If you, a family member, or someone you know has been involved in a car accident with an emergency vehicle or if you would like more information on automobile accidents, please contact Portner & Shure. Our Maryland accident lawyers can provide a free legal consultation.
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