Emergency Vehicle Accidents

Applicability of Traffic Regulations to Emergency Vehicles

All of the regulations laid down in Title 42, Article 4 of the Colorado Revised statutes apply to the drivers of government vehicles. However, section 108 allows certain exemptions to be made with regard to emergency vehicles. In this article, we take a look at emergency vehicles accidents and where you stand if you're involved in one. Remember that it's critical to engage a Colorado Springs accident attorney when you're faced with any legal proceedings, or you could find yourself in a very difficult situation.

Emergency Vehicles Exemptions

There are three situations where an emergency vehicle is allowed to bend certain traffic regulations. The first is when it's going to handle an emergency call. The second is when it's in pursuit of a suspect, and finally, when it's responding to a fire alarm. Any vehicle can be designated as an emergency vehicle by the state motor vehicle licensing agency. This designation is in a written form which must always be be carried inside the vehicle.

Emergency vehicles under the above circumstances aren't bound by parking regulations. However, they must make use of certain visual signals in order to avail of this exemption. The necessary visual guidelines are found in section 213. This commonly takes the form of a signal lamp having a rotating red light.

They can also go past stop signs or red lights provided they exercise enough caution as is necessary to prevent an accident. Speed limits also do not apply under these circumstances. Once more however, they are required to ensure that no damage takes place and no one is injured. For these freedoms, the vehicles must also emit a sound that is loud enough to alert those around them.

Finally, they are allowed to go in any direction and turn wherever it's necessary for them to accomplish their goal.

It's important to realize that the above exemptions don't allow the driver to recklessly crash into anything the way you sometimes see in movies. They are held accountable for the consequences of their actions just like everyone else.

Hiring a Colorado Springs accident attorney

Traffic accidents involving emergency vehicles are obviously more complicated than regular accidents since the onus is on the other person to prove reckless endangerment. A competent accident attorney will be able to make use of every available provision of the law in order to ensure that you obtain as favorable an outcome as possible. Our Clawson & Clawson attorneys will see to that. Contact us for a free initial consultation.