An ambulance and a van collided in a Fountain Valley intersection yesterday afternoon, leaving 7 injured – six of whom had to be transported to local Irvine hospitals. A collision at an intersection often results in serious injuries due to the force of the vehicles and the manner in which they come into contact. The van was travelling westbound and the ambulance was approaching from the north with its lights and siren on, when the vehicles collided in the intersection of Warner and Euclid.
Five of the victims had been in the ambulance at the time of the accident, which wound up on its side after the impact. Local police on the scene described the injuries as “moderate” and our thoughts are with the injured victims and their families as the details of the incident are sorted out.
Many people assume the ambulance had the right of way based upon their siren and lights. However, in California municipal vehicles including emergency vehicles such as police and fire, are required to enter intersections with extreme caution – especially if the traffic controls are not in their favor. It is possible to hold public entities financially liable for injuries caused when their employees and publicly owned vehicles cause an accident.
These cases can be quite legally complex and often involve a trial with accident reconstruction experts. In my 40+ years of experience I have extensive trial experience and expertise and have successfully won verdicts and strong settlements on behalf of my clients in complex accident cases and those involving public entity liability.
If you or someone you love is injured in a collision at an intersection or in an an accident involving emergency, police or fire vehicles I invite you to contact me for a free and substantive consultation at (949)305-1400. There is no cost to you out of pocket as my fees are covered on a contingency fee basis.
