Emergency Vehicle Accident in Ocala: Injuries, Laws, and Your Rights
In Ocala, an emergency vehicle accident involving an ambulance, a pickup truck, and a small bus carrying special needs students gained nationwide attention this week. A bus struck an ambulance responding to an emergency call (with lights and sirens blaring) in a Central Florida intersection. Subsequently, the pickup truck collided with the ambulance, causing it to roll over. Fifteen individuals, including the bus driver, eleven special needs students, two Marion County firefighters, and the pickup truck’s driver, were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for motorists to remain vigilant when emergency vehicles, displaying activated lights and sirens, are in the vicinity. Irrespective of traffic signals or right-of-way, Florida law mandates that all motorists yield to emergency vehicles. Failure to do so may lead to moving violations, fines, and points on your driver’s license. Importantly, these emergency vehicles are rushing to genuine crises, deserving the same urgency and respect as any other destination. Always adhere to Florida law, yielding for emergency vehicles with active sirens and/or lights, to prevent emergency vehicle accidents like the one in Ocala.
Florida Law on Yielding to Emergency Vehicles
According to Florida law, if an emergency vehicle is operating with its sirens and flashers on, all vehicles must yield the right of way. Unless otherwise directed by law enforcement, motorists must pull as close to the curb or road edge as possible, keep intersections clear, and remain stationary.
We’ve all witnessed situations where drivers ignore emergency vehicles attempting to navigate through traffic. This blocks the emergency vehicle from responding to an emergency. Such actions are not only illegal but can also result in fines, fees, and license points. Do the responsible thing: allow the emergency vehicle to pass unhindered.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
With over 200 years of combined practice, our experienced personal injury lawyers have represented more than 15,000 victims in various personal injury scenarios. If you, a family member, or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Florida, including an accident caused by failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, reach out to the skilled personal injury attorneys at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A. Call 877-694-6079 or email contact@schwedlawfirm.com for a free consultation today