Pretty much everyone has encountered an ambulance while driving. Most drivers understand that when an ambulance has its sirens on and is rushing to the hospital, you slow down, pull over and do what you can to get out of the way so the ambulance can get to its destination as soon as possible. Not doing so can lead to an increased risk of accidents.
Unfortunately, a recent accident in Hampton, Virginia (VA), illustrates just how bad an accident can be when an ambulance is involved. An ambulance was transporting a patient when it was hit by an SUV at the intersection of North Armistead Avenue and Mercury Boulevard. The patient in the ambulance was in respiratory arrest at the time of the wreck, according to the Daily Press.
Sadly, the patient later died at the hospital. He was only 42 years old. The ambulance was using both its sirens and its emergency lights, but the driver of a Chevy Suburban did not heed these warnings. In addition to the death of the innocent patient, six people were taken to Riverside Hospital with injuries. Police are still determining whether or not to file charges against the at-fault driver.
A pressing question that needs to be answered is whether the Hampton intersection accident caused the patient’s death. If the patient’s family were to file a wrongful death claim, the family’s personal injury attorney would need to address this issue. In the personal injury field, the issue is known as “proximate cause.” Basically, this is a legal determination for what caused a person’s injury or death. Another issue a Hampton wrongful death lawyer will have to determine is if the at-fault driver was reckless. For example, if the at-fault driver was distracted while behind the wheel or ran a traffic light, the attorney could consult with the family and attempt to pursue punitive damages.
To learn more about Virginia wrongful death law, take a look at this free consumer report written by a wrongful death attorney.
PA