Accidents caused by moving out of the way of emergency vehicle

[Cass]

At the risk of annoying the crap out of everybody, I have yet another question...

This is a hypothetical scenario although I've come close to having it happen to me and/or have seen other people come close to it.

If there's an emergency vehicle coming up behind you with lights and siren on, and you try to move out of the way and get into an accident (either one-car or multiple), how is that dealt with?

I believe you're supposed to pull over and stop "if it is safe to do so". But with sirens blasting right behind you and only a split second to react, you might do something unsafe and cause an accident. Also, you cannot anticipate how the other drivers will react, and maybe the combination of both causes the accident.

Would a driver still be cited just like in any other accident even though he thought he was doing the right thing? Or would they cut him some slack? How does insurance handle it? Would towns/the state ever be willing to reimburse a driver who sustained damages/injuries due to attempting to let an emergency vehicle pass?

Just wondering because I've made some pretty risky moves to get out of their way, especially when there's two lanes each way and the driver in the other lane just won't move an inch to make room.

[Kimble]

If there's an emergency vehicle coming up behind you with lights and siren on, and you try to move out of the way and get into an accident (either one-car or multiple), how is that dealt with?

If an emergency vehicle is operating with lights and sirens (i.e. going to an emergency), they have legal right-of-way. That does not mean that you (Joe or Jane Doe) are to be reckless in your attempt to yield right-of-way. Moving out of the way for an emergency vehicle should be done with the same care you would give when switching lanes in any other situation (i.e. looking to see if you're about to swerve into another car, cut someone else off, etc). If you cause an accident due to your own fault, it's your fault. If someone else causes an accident with you, it's their fault. The emergency vehicle doesn't magically "assume" fault simply because you or another vehicle cause an accident when yielding right-of-way.

[retdetsgt]

What ROS said. You won't get much sympathy for causing a wreck because you were pulling over for an emergency vehicle. There's never a reason to be not pay attention to what you're doing behind a wheel.

[grumpyirishman]

Would a driver still be cited just like in any other accident even though he thought he was doing the right thing? YES
Or would they cut him some slack? NO
How does insurance handle it? Like any other accident
Would towns/the state ever be willing to reimburse a driver who sustained damages/injuries due to attempting to let an emergency vehicle pass? NO

....You are responsible for your driving actions....Whatever became of personal responsibility????:confused:

[mobrien316]

Why would you only have "a split second to react"???

I guarantee the emergency vehicle is not moving at anything approaching the speed of light, so you have plenty of time to see and hear it coming and safely move out of the way.

[Cass]

Thank you for your blunt opinions.

Sounds like I will have to re-evaluate my priorities: Instead of thinking about the patient bleeding to death in the back of an ambulance or the cop trying to get to an officer-needs-assistance-call I should be worrying about traffic fines and points on my license. It's all about personal responsibility afterall. :rolleyes:

On second thought, nah, I think I'll sleep better at night knowing that I did/tried to do what I believe to be the right thing.

FWIW, I don't think we're talking about the same scenario. You're thinking wide open road where a car can just leisurely move over to the shoulder. I'm thinking congested multi-lane highways or busy intersections or really anywhere with heavy traffic and/or a confusing traffic pattern where you, as a cop, won't be going ANYWHERE unless drivers move out of your way. I cannot believe you haven't seen those kinds of scenarios on the job.

I find it even harder to believe that after saving your partner's butt you'd come back and give me a citation for putting a dent in another car while getting out of your way. If so, then so be it.

Not to mention that if I DON'T move I will be duly cited as well... :confused:

[Kimble]

You asked for honest feedback and got it. The answer is still NO, you're not going to have your vehicle damage paid for by driving like a jackass, regardless of whether an emergency vehicle is going to an emergency or not. If your so thin-skinned that our simple answers to your question offend you, go find another site to play Drama Queen. :rolleyes:

Thank you for your blunt opinions.

Sounds like I will have to re-evaluate my priorities: Instead of thinking about the patient bleeding to death in the back of an ambulance or the cop trying to get to an officer-needs-assistance-call I should be worrying about traffic fines and points on my license. It's all about personal responsibility afterall. :rolleyes:

On second thought, nah, I think I'll sleep better at night knowing that I did/tried to do what I believe to be the right thing.

FWIW, I don't think we're talking about the same scenario. You're thinking wide open road where a car can just leisurely move over to the shoulder. I'm thinking congested multi-lane highways or busy intersections or really anywhere with heavy traffic and/or a confusing traffic pattern where you, as a cop, won't be going ANYWHERE unless drivers move out of your way. I cannot believe you haven't seen those kinds of scenarios on the job.

I find it even harder to believe that after saving your partner's butt you'd come back and give me a citation for putting a dent in another car while getting out of your way. If so, then so be it.

Not to mention that if I DON'T move I will be duly cited as well... :confused:

[Cass]

You asked for honest feedback and got it. The answer is still NO, you're not going to have your vehicle damage paid for by driving like a jackass, regardless of whether an emergency vehicle is going to an emergency or not. If your so thin-skinned that our simple answers to your question offend you, go find another site to play Drama Queen. :rolleyes:

Umm. I wasn't in the least bit offended by your answers. Maybe a bit surprised. You, however, appear to be the thin-skinned one.

I asked for honest opinions and I received them (and I thanked you for it). It does not mean I have to agree with you, does it?

I'm not going to argue with grown men. Have a good day.


And for the record: I was mainly asking about being CITED for an accident. Having the damage "paid for" was an afterthought.