What if a Medical Emergency Caused a Car Accident?

Medical emergencies are unpredictable, and the outcome often depends on where they take place. When a driver is behind the wheel when a medical emergency happens, the situation can become quite dire. What should you do in such a scenario, and how do Maryland laws handle car accidents caused by medical emergencies?

What Steps Should I Take Immediately After the Accident?

First, check yourself for injuries, evaluate your ability to move, and contact emergency services. If possible, also assess the well-being of others involved in the incident.

Next, gather relevant information about the accident and exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved. Snap photos of the accident scene, focusing on vehicle damage, road conditions, and relevant signage. If there are witnesses present, request their contact information.

How Does Maryland Law Handle Car Accidents Caused by Medical Emergencies?

In Maryland, car accidents caused by medical emergencies are treated differently from typical ones. The state recognizes the “sudden medical emergency” defense, which may absolve the driver of liability when certain conditions are met. However, this defense is not automatic and requires thorough investigation and evidence to support it.

Drivers can experience sudden medical emergencies, like a heart attack or seizure, while operating a vehicle. During the claims process, they may argue that they were not negligent because they were unaware of their medical condition at the time of the accident.

To successfully assert this defense, the driver must demonstrate:

  • They had no prior knowledge of the medical condition.
  • The medical emergency was unforeseeable and sudden.
  • The medical emergency directly caused the accident.
  • They did everything reasonably possible to prevent the accident under the circumstances.

Bear in mind that the burden of proof lies with the driver invoking the sudden medical emergency defense. That means they must provide convincing evidence to support their claim, such as extensive medical records, eyewitness testimony, and testimony from expert witnesses like physicians and accident reconstruction experts.

What Legal Options Do I Have After a Car Accident Caused by a Medical Emergency?

If you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s medical emergency, you may have legal options to pursue compensation for your damages. While the sudden medical emergency defense may complicate matters, it does not always absolve the at-fault driver of all liability:

  • Even if the driver claims a sudden medical emergency, their insurance may still be liable to cover your damages.
  • If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
  • If insurance claims do not adequately cover your damages, you may choose to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In that case, you will need to prove negligence or another legal basis for liability.

The Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Clients Involved in Crashes Caused by Medical Emergencies

If you were involved in a car accident caused by a medical emergency, contact the experienced Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will review your case, explore your legal options, and advocate tirelessly on your behalf. Call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or submit our online form to schedule a free consultation.

We have offices in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Lanham, and Owings Mills, allowing us to represent clients in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.