Ambulance accidents happen for many reasons, including driver negligence, mechanical malfunctions, and other factors. These life-altering incidents leave victims with physical, emotional, and financial hardships. At Laborde Earles, we handle all types of emergency vehicle accident cases.
Occasionally, an EMT fails to secure a patient properly. As a result, the patient falls off of the stretcher or rolls out of the ambulance, worsening any existing injuries. However, most of the cases our Lake Charles ambulance accident lawyer handles involve collisions with other vehicles.
Whether you were hurt while riding in an ambulance or were inside another vehicle, our Lake Charles truck accident lawyer can help you pursue the money you deserve for your injuries and damages. Call or fill out the online form for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Calculating Your Losses After a Lake Charles Ambulance Collision
At Laborde Earles, we understand that no two accident victims will experience the same losses. That’s why our Lake Charles attorneys thoroughly assess each client’s unique damages to maximize their compensation.
After an incident involving an emergency vehicle, you may qualify for the following damages:
- Medical expenses: This category includes past and projected costs for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, therapy, medication, assistive devices, and necessary long-term care.
- Lost income: This damage refers to any wages you lost due to missed work during your recovery. This can also account for reduced future earning capacity if you are unable to return to your job.
- Property damage: This loss refers to repair or replacement costs for your vehicle or other property damaged in the crash.
- Pain and suffering: This broad category addresses the physical and emotional distress you’ve endured due to your injuries.
- Permanent disability: If your injuries cause a permanent loss of mobility or function, you can seek additional compensation for damages like loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium.
- Other accident-related costs: This may include the costs of household services, childcare, transportation, and other expenses resulting from your injuries.
- Wrongful death: If your loved one tragically succumbs to their injuries, you may qualify for wrongful death damages.
Using our deep understanding of Louisiana law, our Lake Charles personal injury law firm will build a compelling case on your behalf. We are committed to recovering the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientDetermining Liability After a Louisiana Emergency Vehicle Accident
In the event of an emergency vehicle accident in Louisiana, liability for the damages incurred typically falls on the party that caused the accident. This means that if the ambulance driver was at fault, the driver or their employer would be held liable.
However, it is important to note that multiple parties can be deemed responsible, depending on the circumstances of the accident. For instance, if another driver failed to yield to an emergency vehicle and caused a collision, they could also be held accountable for a portion of the damages under Louisiana’s comparative fault system.
In some cases, liability may extend beyond the involved drivers and ambulance owners. If a mechanical issue, such as faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the crash, then the company responsible for maintaining and inspecting the ambulance could also bear responsibility.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientSuing for an Injury After an Incident With an Emergency Vehicle
Being injured in an ambulance accident can leave you with significant losses. With so much at stake, you may wonder whether you can file a lawsuit against the negligent parties.
The ability to take legal action depends on several key factors:
- Type of ambulance service: Government entities and their emergency vehicle drivers generally have some legal immunity. However, privately owned ambulance companies are subject to liability if drivers are negligent.
- Nature of the incident: Even government drivers and agencies can be sued if they exhibit reckless disregard for safety protocols. Using lights and sirens irresponsibly or violating traffic laws could forfeit their immunity.
- Your injuries and damages: The severity of your injuries and losses will impact your right to sue. Permanent injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one provide the strongest grounds for a civil lawsuit.
Because every ambulance accident is unique, our attorneys thoroughly investigate each case to determine the best course of action. Our goal is to get you the maximum compensation available in your case, whether through an insurance settlement or a court decision.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientTalk to an Ambulance Accident Lawyer in Lake Charles, LA
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an emergency vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation from the driver of the ambulance or another liable party. However, emergency vehicle accidents can be difficult to settle and litigate.
You need an advocate on your side who will conduct a thorough investigation and take the time to explore all available avenues of compensation. You need Louisiana attorneys who care.
The team at Laborde Earles is on your side after a life-altering accident. Contact us now for a free consultation with our Lake Charles ambulance accident lawyer.
