In April 2023 a South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) vehicle was involved in a Road Traffic Collision in Southampton. The collision occurred with another vehicle as the ambulance was proceeding across a traffic light junction, through red lights but whilst on full emergency lights and sirens.

Timeline and actions taken

The claim was initially reported to SCAS’s motor insurers as a fault incident however it was then referred to ourselves as having prospects for recovery. We reviewed the case and obtained the dash-cam footage, critical in apportioning liability in incidents of this nature. Specifically, the dash-cam provided conclusive evidence of the SCAS vehicle’s speed on approach and through the junction, the presence of emergency lights / sirens and the actions of the other driver involved. The incident locus and visibility at the scene also contribute to the liability assessment.

Following acceptance of the case as having strong recovery prospects, an askMID search revealed the third party vehicle had no insurance. Once repairs were completed, in the sum of £25k, a claim was submitted to the driver direct and also to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

In the absence of settlement, proceedings were subsequently raised against the offending driver. Quantum was challenged but we were able to substantiate the loss values with support of the client. The claim has now been agreed in full with recovery totalling £30.5k to include repairs and loss of use.

A note from our client

This is absolutely fantastic news and a fantastic result. I can see how much work has gone into this our end and from yours, since the accident happened back in April 2023. I just wanted to say a really big thank you and it was worth taking a considered and strategic approach, submitting to you and you following it through.

Summary

Very often initial perceptions regarding liability might be incorrect, just because an ambulance is proceedings across a junction on a red light does not constitute fault. Ambulances have exceptions and by the same token, another vehicle driver is not free to simply proceed through a green light without taking due caution and checking the path is clear. The attention to detail regarding all of the incident circumstances here have contributed to a successful and rightful outcome.

Author: Oliver Burke