If a California car accident results from a driver’s medical emergency, the driver may be free of liability because the cause of the crash was unintentional and unanticipated. However, there are specific instances that make a driver responsible for a collision despite the fact that it resulted from a medical emergency.
In this article, you will understand liability in California car accidents caused by medical emergencies and how to protect your rights.
What Medical Emergencies Occur When Driving?
If a driver experiences a medical emergency, they may not have control over their vehicle, affecting other road users when sharing the road. Unfortunately, several health conditions may threaten road safety in case of a sudden manifestation while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 84% of the drivers involved in accidents caused by medical emergencies had experienced seizures, blackouts, or diabetic reactions.
Several symptoms of medical emergencies can happen during driving, including:
- Heart Attack: Common signs of a heart attack include dizziness, loss of breath, and chest discomfort.
- Stroke: Signs of a stroke include difficulty speaking, abrupt numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, and confusion.
- Epilepsy: Epilepsy can result in unconsciousness or convulsions, which can make driving dangerous.
- Diabetic Emergency: Both high and low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia) can cause confusion, lightheadedness, or unconsciousness.
- Allergy responses: Severe allergic responses, or anaphylaxis, can result in breathing difficulties, facial or neck swelling, and unconsciousness, all of which call for emergency medical assistance.
- Asthma Attack: During an asthma attack, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest can make driving difficult and require immediate medical attention.
- Syncope, often known as fainting, can happen for several causes and result in an abrupt loss of consciousness.
- Other Medical Conditions: Risks associated with driving might also arise from other medical conditions, such as acute pain, unexpected illness, or mental health crises.
Moreover, in the same study, it was discovered that drivers aged 65 and older had a comparatively more significant percentage of crashes caused by medical emergencies in contrast to drivers who were younger or middle-aged. Men are also more involved in collisions caused by medical emergencies than other drivers free from health issues.
All drivers must be aware of potential medical emergencies and take the necessary safety measures, such as not driving if they exhibit symptoms, to avoid further road issues.
Can I File a Claim for a California Car Accident Due to a Medical Emergency?
Generally, you may file a claim for compensation for the damages caused by someone else’s negligence. In such a case, you must demonstrate the following elements of negligence in a California car accident:
- The driver was responsible for ensuring everyone’s safety on the road.
- They neglected this duty.
- The breach of duty resulted in a car accident.
- The crash caused injuries and other damages.
For instance, a drunk driver rear-ends another motorist. In this scenario, the driver’s DUI violation directly caused the accident, making them liable for the victim’s damages.
However, under the Sudden Emergency Doctrine, you are typically ineligible to seek compensation for an accident if the driver experienced a medical emergency that prevented them from controlling their vehicle, with no prior indication of such an event occurring.
Who Is Liable for a Car Accident Caused by A Medical Emergency?
There are several factors to consider when determining liability in a car accident caused by a medical emergency. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, several parties can be responsible for an accident involving drivers with health emergencies:
You Are Liable
The Sudden Medical Emergency Doctrine stipulates that a driver can’t be responsible for an accident if an unforeseen medical emergency impairs their ability to operate a vehicle.
Consequently, the accident may be deemed unavoidable due to a medical emergency. For this doctrine to apply, certain conditions must be met, including:
- The driver experienced a medical emergency.
- It compromised their control over the vehicle.
- There were no prior indicators of this medical condition.
For instance, a driver suddenly had a silent heart attack while driving. Since the victim did not experience any symptoms before the medical emergency, they decided to drive. In such a case, they may be free of liability under the Sudden Medical Emergency doctrine.
If the driver is not responsible for the collision, you may use your insurance policy to cover the damages. In such a case, you must have evidence to prove that you did not cause the accident and that the other driver is free of liability to receive compensation from your insurance company.
The Driver with Emergency Vehicle
While it is true that a driver with a medical emergency can’t be responsible for a crash, if the driver was aware of their medical condition and its potential risks but chose to drive regardless, they may be held accountable for the accident.
According to NHTSA, most drivers involved in accidents caused by medical emergencies were aware of their pre-existing medical condition before the collision. Drivers who are aware of a medical condition associated with a crash cannot use the sudden emergency defense.
For example, a driver experienced numbness in the arms before the crash. Despite the symptoms, they operated the vehicle going to work. Unfortunately, they had a stroke while driving, resulting in a collision. In this case, the driver may still be liable for the crash because they were aware of the symptoms, risked safety, and drove.
With the intricacies of determining whether such doctrine should be applied, proving a California car accident claim involving medical emergencies may be challenging. It is best to contact California car accident lawyers who understand the legalities of a personal injury and determine what steps to take to protect your rights.
How Can I Prove An Accident Due to a Medical Emergency?
Proving a sudden medical emergency as a defense in a California car accident case can present legal complexities. The driver must establish several vital factors to demonstrate that the car accident was caused by a medical emergency:
The driver experienced a medical emergency.
Under the Sudden Emergency Doctrine, the driver must show they experienced a medical emergency before the crash. They may be liable for the car accident without proving that a sudden health emergency occurred.
As such, you can prove a sudden emergency by obtaining several pieces of evidence, such as:
- Medical Records from healthcare providers that show the driver’s medical history, including any pre-existing conditions or diagnoses.
- Statements from passengers or witnesses who observed the driver’s behavior leading up to the accident.
- Official police reports detailing the driver’s condition and behavior before the collision.
- Video recordings from dashcams, traffic cameras, or surveillance cameras in the area where the accident occurred that captured the events leading up to the crash.
It compromised their control over the vehicle.
It is essential to demonstrate that the medical emergency caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in the collision. The defense argues that the driver did not exhibit negligence but experienced a sudden incapacitation, leading to the inability to control the vehicle.
When drivers experience symptoms of a medical emergency, they must pull over and seek rest to ensure their safety and that of others on the road. Ignoring apparent symptoms of a potential medical issue eliminates the element of suddenness, as the condition could have been anticipated and addressed earlier.
There were no prior indicators of this medical condition.
The driver must show that they were unaware of the medical condition that led to the emergency. This means that they did not have prior knowledge or warning signs of the condition that could have prompted them to take preventive measures to avoid the collision and invoke the sudden emergency defense.
Under this premise, the driver may be held responsible for the accident if they had sufficient time or opportunity to regain control of the vehicle or respond to indications of a medical problem. Additionally, if the driver knew about a medical condition that impaired their ability to drive safely but chose to operate the vehicle regardless, they could be deemed liable for the crash.
For example, the driver had a heart attack before, and their doctors advised them to avoid driving, especially when symptoms occur. Despite their doctor’s advice, they operated a vehicle. Unfortunately, they experienced another heart attack while driving, resulting in a car accident. In such a scenario, they may be liable for the damages caused by the crash.
Lawyer’s Tip: When filing an insurance claim, you can receive compensation for several damages, including financial and non-financial damages. A California car accident lawyer can quantify and calculate the total damages to maximize your payout.
How Can California Car Accident Lawyers Help Me?
Car accidents can lead to severe injuries or fatalities, necessitating significant financial resources to address medical expenses and other related damages. If you pursue a settlement, encountering a situation where the other driver invokes the Sudden Medical Emergency Doctrine raises questions about liability.
You must have sufficient evidence to prove the car accident was caused by a medical emergency or to show that the driver negligently ignored their symptoms. How can you collect such proof if you have injuries to recover from?
California car accident lawyers possess the necessary knowledge, experience, skills, and resources to navigate such complexities and develop a winning legal approach for your case.
A California car accident lawyer can adeptly handle your case by:
- Collecting sufficient evidence to prove the other driver’s negligence in the car accident.
- Establishing liability for the accident.
- Assessing the full extent of damages suffered.
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.
- Ensuring adherence to legal deadlines and regulations.
- Taking the case to trial if negotiations do not yield a satisfactory outcome.
Why Hire California Car Accident Attorneys from Jacoby and Meyers
At Jacoby & Meyers, our unwavering dedication to assisting accident victims in attaining the justice they deserve remains steadfast. We are committed to giving back to our communities by facilitating access to essential medical care for those affected by accidents.
Our legal team has streamlined a thorough process to ensure you are fully informed about your legal rights and receive the justice you are entitled to. Our dedicated team of legal professionals provides exemplary service by:
- Maintaining transparent and open communication throughout every stage of your case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair and just compensation on your behalf.
- Assisting in coordinating appropriate medical treatments as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Addressing any additional concerns related to your accident to alleviate your worries.
- Protecting your legal rights by establishing liability, assessing the extent of damages, and vigorously advocating for your claim.
We offer a complimentary consultation where you can receive legal advice from top-notch California car accident lawyers. To explore your legal options, contact us at 800-500-0000.
Jacoby & Meyers. Because Everyone Deserves Justice.
Hear From Our Past Clients
While many other law firms make similar claims, we can provide our customers with solid legal assistance. Testimonials from our past clients can assert their favorable experiences with our legal services.
“My experience with Jacoby & Meyers was amazing. They got me everything I deserved and more. They updated me with calls, texts, and emails. I don’t know how I would’ve made it through my accident process without their help. Thank you so much, Jacoby & Meyers !” -Elisa S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have further questions regarding car accident claims? We got you! Here are some frequently asked questions from injured auto accident victims that may help explain some aspects of your case.
- What Happens if the At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Car Insurance?
- Can I Sue If I Was a Passenger in a Car Accident?
- How To Document Witness Testimonies for Car Accidents in California
- Can I File a Car Accident Claim if I’m an Undocumented Immigrant in California?
Works Cited
Wikipedia. Accessed 30 April 2024.
“The Contribution of Medical Conditions to Passenger Vehicle Crashes | NHTSA.” CrashStats – NHTSA. Accessed 30 April 2024.
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