Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience, but it becomes even more complicated when the at-fault driver claims they were struck by a sudden medical emergency. In these cases, they may try to avoid responsibility for the crash by invoking the medical emergency defense. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are facing this defense, having an experienced car accident attorney on your side is crucial to ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident and the defendant is claiming a medical emergency, it’s essential to have a car accident lawyer who understands how to challenge this defense and protect your rights. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our car accident law firm has extensive experience handling these complex cases. We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
What Is the Medical Emergency Defense?
The medical emergency defense is often invoked by defendants in car accident cases who claim that an unexpected health issue, such as a heart attack, seizure, or sudden loss of consciousness, caused them to lose control of their vehicle, making the accident unavoidable.
This defense allows the defendant to argue that they should not be held responsible for the crash due to circumstances beyond their control. However, for this defense to succeed, the defendant must meet strict legal standards and prove several key elements:
- No Prior Warning or Knowledge of the Medical Condition. The defendant must demonstrate that they had no prior knowledge or indication that a medical emergency was likely to occur. This defense may not hold up in court if there were any warning signs, such as previous medical episodes, failure to take medication, or ignoring a doctor’s advice.
- The Medical Condition Occurred Suddenly and Without Anticipation. The defense must prove that the medical condition struck suddenly, leaving the defendant no time to react or avoid the situation. For instance, a sudden heart attack or fainting spell would typically qualify, but conditions that the defendant knew about and could have planned for would not.
- The Medical Emergency Was the Direct Cause of the Accident. Finally, the defendant must show that the medical emergency directly caused them to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in the car crash. If the accident could have been avoided or if other factors contributed to the crash, the medical emergency defense may not be valid.
How Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
Proving or disproving the elements of the medical emergency defense requires detailed legal knowledge and a thorough investigation. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our experienced car accident lawyers know how to approach these complex cases. We will gather medical records, examine the defendant’s medical history, and consult with medical experts to challenge the defense.
By analyzing whether the defendant truly had no warning of the condition and whether it was sudden and unforeseeable, we can build a strong case to hold the at-fault party accountable. Our team will also work tirelessly to show that the medical emergency wasn’t the sole cause of the crash or that the defendant could have taken steps to prevent the accident. When you have experienced legal representation on your side, we make sure every detail is investigated and no defense goes unchallenged.
How Does the Medical Emergency Defense Affect My Car Accident Claim?
If the defendant in your case is claiming a medical emergency, it doesn’t mean your claim is over. This defense is complex, and the burden is on the defendant to prove that the medical condition was truly unforeseeable and sudden. As car accident lawyers with decades of experience, we will thoroughly investigate the claim and work to hold the defendant accountable if the medical emergency defense doesn’t apply.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help Me Overcome the Medical Emergency Defense?
Having one of the best car accident attorneys by your side who understands how to handle this specific defense is critical. A dedicated car crash lawyer will:
- Investigate the defendant’s medical history to determine whether the medical condition was truly unexpected.
- Gather evidence to show that the defendant should have anticipated the medical issue or failed to take proper action to prevent the car accident.
- Present a strong case on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that the defendant cannot use this defense unfairly to avoid liability.
At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our car accident law firm has successfully represented clients in cases claiming the medical emergency defense. We know how to challenge this defense and ensure our clients receive the compensation they are entitled to.
What Should I Do If the Defendant Is Claiming a Medical Emergency in My Car Accident Case?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and the defendant is claiming a medical emergency, it’s crucial to act quickly. Contact a car accident attorney with experience in handling these types of cases to discuss your options. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we are ready to help you navigate this complex defense and ensure that your rights are protected. Call us at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation with a car crash lawyer today.