Location: Greenbelt, Maryland.
A few weeks ago I got hit by an ambulance while I was making a legal left turn at a blind intersection. I had the green light. I didn’t hear any sirens and because of how the intersection is set up, we couldn’t see each other. But you don’t blow through an intersection, especially if you have a red light.
In the police report, the EMTs admitted they couldn’t see what color their light was because of glare. To me, that’s even more reason to yield and be cautious. I’ve worked at two fire stations within the same county. I know the ambulance protocols. They also stated they had their lights and sirens on, and that their camera wasn’t working, so it would pretty much be my word against theirs. There were traffic cameras but they don’t have sound. From my experience I know that ambulances will ride with their lights on and only cut sirens on when approaching other vehicles or intersections. I didn’t hear any sirens and I was riding in silence bc I only planned to go up the street to the bank then back home.
They T-boned me and totaled my car. They didn’t check on me. I was in shock. This was my first car. I financed it in January and this was also my first accident. I had to crawl out of the passenger side because I wasn’t sure if my door was jammed. I stood outside next to the ambulance for a few minutes before anyone got out. Their vehicle wasn’t damaged at all and they ended up driving off after the police took their statement.
They didn’t file a claim with their insurance. I had to figure out who their insurer was and file it myself. It’s been almost three weeks and they still haven’t sent in the documents needed to determine fault. Meanwhile I’ve been left with no car, no rental, no payout, bruised arms from the airbags, and no way to start the new job I was just offered.
Is there anything I can do legally? Can I sue them for negligence or emotional distress? I feel like I’m the only one doing anything/ taking a loss while they just walk away like nothing happened.
Comments
> negligence or emotional distress
Not really. You can possibly get your car, medical, and lost wages. If they can be found at fault.
I’m guessing you don’t have insurance that would cover this?
What did their insurance adjuster offer you when you spoke to them?