What to Do After a Medical Emergency Causes a Car Accident

Medical emergencies while driving can lead to devastating accidents. When another driver suffers a sudden health crisis behind the wheel, the collision can leave you with serious injuries, vehicle damage, and mounting expenses. As a victim, you deserve compensation for your losses, even when the other driver experienced a genuine medical emergency. Securing fair recovery requires a careful examination of the driver’s medical records, driving history, and the specific circumstances of the accident.

If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s medical emergency, let the experienced car accident attorneys at Munley Law help you with the legal process. Our attorneys can ensure that you receive the compensation you are due. Schedule a free initial consultation today.

Medical Emergencies Behind the Wheel

Medical emergencies that cause car accidents often occur without warning to victims. A study by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that while many accidents involving medical conditions are single-vehicle crashes, those involving other drivers or pedestrians can be devastating for innocent victims.

Seizures are the most common medical condition causing accidents that injure others. Even drivers with well-controlled epilepsy can experience breakthrough seizures without warning signs, putting others at risk.

Diabetic emergencies account for 20 percent of the NHTSA-studied auto accidents. When a driver experiences blood sugar fluctuations, causing blurred vision, confusion, and loss of consciousness, they can lose control and crash into your vehicle without warning.

Heart attacks and strokes, though less common, can cause drivers to lose consciousness or control suddenly, leading to serious accidents that leave victims with significant injuries and property damage.

The Sudden Medical Emergency Defense

When you’re injured by a driver who experienced a medical emergency, you may face challenges in your compensation claim. Drivers who experience unexpected medical events often use the sudden medical emergency defense, which can complicate your case for compensation.

This legal doctrine recognizes that drivers should not be held liable for accidents caused by genuine medical emergencies beyond their control. However, as a victim, you need to understand how this defense works so you can challenge it when appropriate.

When facing this defense, your attorney will scrutinize:

• The timing between symptom onset and the accident
• Medical records from before the accident to establish whether the emergency was truly unexpected
• Evidence to determine if the driver had previous warnings they ignored
• Limitations and restrictions from the driver’s medical provider that they may have violated

Drivers with pre-existing conditions can be held liable if their condition is known to affect their driving ability, especially if a doctor has made recommendations against driving. As a victim, this information is important to your case.

State laws vary in how they treat sudden medical emergency defense. Some states consider it a complete defense that eliminates liability, while others may reduce but not eliminate the driver’s responsibility for your injuries. A skilled Munley Law attorney can help you challenge this defense and obtain the compensation you deserve..

Liability in a Car Accident Caused by Medical Emergency

As a victim, understanding liability in a medical emergency accident is essential. While the at-fault driver may try to use the sudden emergency defense, your attorney can work to prove they had warning signs or could have taken steps to prevent the accident.

Insurance companies thoroughly investigate sudden emergency accidents. A special investigator may be assigned to review medical records witness statements, and gather expert testimony. Your attorney can use this same evidence to challenge the validity of the emergency defense and establish liability.

When the sudden medical emergency defense is successful, no one is considered negligent. This can leave you wondering, how do I get compensation for my losses? In general, you’ll need to seek compensation through your own insurance policy, which is why having uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is so important.

The sudden emergency doctrine will be denied if the driver:

• Failed to follow a doctor’s driving restrictions
• Ignored warning signs and symptoms
• Failed to take prescribed medications or took them improperly
• Missed doctor appointments or didn’t follow the treatment plan

Your attorney will investigate whether the other driver failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent medical emergencies while driving. Proving such failure can establish their liability for your injuries and damages.

How to Build Your Case After Being Injured in a Medical Emergency Accident

Documentation is vtal after your accident. Take photos of the scene and vehicle damage, note nearby cameras, collect witness contact information, and obtain copies of medical records and police reports.

Gather comprehensive evidence of your injuries and losses, including medical bills, work absences, and accident-related expenses. These records determine your compensation regardless of who’s liable.

Keep all evidence organized and document any insurance company communications. Ideally, consult with an experienced lawyer before speaking with insurers to protect your interests.

Compensation After Being Injured in a Medical Emergency Car Accident

As a victim, whether your claim is filed against a liable driver or with your own insurance policy, you are entitled to economic damages after an accident. These include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses, including home modifications and specialty care and equipment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Property damage and vehicle repairs

You may also be entitled to non-economic damages, including physical pain, emotional distress, and changes in your ability to enjoy activities you once did. Insurance policies may limit compensation, particularly if the medical emergency defense applies, which is why having an experienced attorney is important.

Getting Legal Help After Being Injured in a Medical Emergency Car Accident

As a victim injured when another driver lost control of their vehicle due to a medical emergency, hiring a car accident attorney is your best chance for compensation. Your lawyer will:

• Review medical records to challenge the timeline of the emergency
• Work with medical experts to strengthen your case
• Handle communication with insurance companies
• Gather evidence before it disappears
• Identify all potential sources of compensation, including your own insurance
• Meet legal deadlines for filing claims
• Negotiate settlements
• Represent you in court if necessary

Each state has a statute of limitations and a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Taking prompt action is important for building your case and recovering compensation.

You may receive a settlement offer shortly after the accident occurs. It’s best to have an experienced car accident attorney from Munley Law review the offer and determine if the full extent of your injuries and damages is known yet. Initial settlement offers often don’t cover the entirety of your losses as a victim.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Many car accident law firms, including Munley Law, work on a contingency fee basis. We don’t collect any legal fees until we’ve made a recovery in your favor. This allows you, as a victim, to pursue justice without worrying about your financial well-being.

Car accidents caused by sudden medical emergencies are especially challenging for victims who face both physical recovery and financial uncertainty. As an innocent party injured through no fault of your own, Munley Law can help protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with our car accident lawyers today.